How to raise meat donkeys for high yield? A detailed explanation of breeding techniques

Breeds and Fattening

Donkeys of different breeds differ considerably in their nutrient requirements during the fattening period. Generally speaking, meat-type donkeys require less nutrients to achieve the same daily weight gain than non-meat-type breeds.

Age and Fattening

Donkeys at different growth stages also require different nutrient levels during the fattening period. Young donkeys are in a stage of vigorous growth and development, and the major part of their weight gain is bone, muscle and internal organs, so the protein content in the feed should be somewhat higher. In adult donkeys, the main part of weight gain during the fattening stage is fat, so the protein content in the feed can be relatively lower at this time, while energy should be higher. The total amount of nutrients needed per unit of weight gain is lowest for young donkeys and highest for old donkeys. However, the digestive function of young donkeys is not as well developed as that of old donkeys, so young donkeys have higher requirements for feed quality.

During the fattening period, the early stage of weight gain is mainly muscle and bone, while the later stage is mainly fat deposition. Therefore, sufficient protein and appropriate energy should be supplied in the early fattening stage, and sufficient energy in the later stage. For donkeys of any age, once fat has been deposited to a certain degree, their vitality declines, appetite decreases, feed conversion rate drops, and daily weight gain decreases; continuing to fatten them further is then uneconomical. Usually, the younger the age, the longer the fattening period, for example foals need more than 1 year. The older the age, the shorter the fattening period, for example adult donkeys need only 3 months to 4 months. The length of the fattening period is also affected by feed quality and feeding method; the feed efficiency of grazing is lower than that of barn feeding, so the fattening period of grazing donkeys is longer than that of barn-fed donkeys.

Ambient Temperature and Fattening

Ambient temperature has a relatively large effect on the nutrient requirements and daily weight gain of fattening donkeys. In a low-temperature environment, in order to resist the cold, donkeys need to increase heat production to maintain body temperature, so a relatively large amount of nutrients is converted into heat through metabolism and lost, and feed utilization rate declines. In a high-temperature environment, the breathing rate of donkeys increases and feed intake decreases; excessively high temperatures can lead to cessation of feeding, and especially in the later fattening stage when donkeys are fatter, the harm of high temperature is even more serious. According to the physiological characteristics of donkeys, the suitable temperature is 16°C to 24°C.

Feed Types and Meat Quality

Different types of feed directly affect the quality of donkey meat, and the regulation of feeding is the most important means of improving meat yield and quality. On the premise of not affecting the donkey's health and digestion, the more nutrients given in a short period, the higher the daily weight gain obtained, the less feed consumed per kilogram of weight gain, the higher the slaughter rate, and the greater the benefit. The nutritional status of donkeys during the fattening period has a great influence on meat yield and meat quality; only donkeys with very good fattening will have the best meat yield and meat quality. Feed types have an important influence on the color and taste of meat. Donkeys fattened with yellow corn have yellow meat and fat with a strong aroma; feeding pelleted dry grass meal and concentrate can rapidly deposit fat in muscle fibers and improve meat quality; feeding more iron-rich feed makes the meat color darker, while feeding more buckwheat makes the meat color lighter. The efficiency of feed conversion into muscle is far higher than the efficiency of feed conversion into fat.

Slaughter Weight and Feed Utilization Rate

Slaughter weight is determined according to market demand. For slaughter weight, feed consumption and utilization rate also differ. The general rule is that the greater the slaughter weight of donkeys, the lower the feed utilization rate.