What are the breeding techniques for donkeys? These key points must be mastered

The breeding techniques currently in use mainly include: estrus detection, estrus synchronization, artificial insemination, natural mating, pregnancy diagnosis, etc.

I. Estrus detection

Donkeys have a long estrus period. Therefore, to ensure timely mating and reduce the number of matings while improving the conception rate of the female donkey, it is necessary to check for estrus and ovulation. The methods of estrus detection include external observation, teasing, vaginal examination and rectal examination. Usually, on the basis of external observation, the focus is on rectal examination.

II. Estrus synchronization

The method of synchronizing the estrous cycle of female donkeys is called estrus synchronization or synchronized estrus. Estrus synchronization techniques mainly use hormone drugs to change the pattern of the natural estrous cycle, thereby adjusting and unifying the process of the estrous cycle so that a group of female donkeys come into estrus and ovulate together within a specified period of time.

III. Artificial insemination

The artificial insemination procedure includes rectal examination, semen collection, semen dilution, insemination and other aspects. The entire work requires technicians to operate skillfully, carry out strict disinfection, work carefully, and accurately prepare the diluent and medicinal solutions.

IV. Natural mating

During natural mating, the male donkey approaches the female donkey in estrus, develops sexual arousal, shows courtship and erection reflexes, mounts the female donkey, and after the penis is inserted into the female donkey's vagina and several thrusts, ejaculates in about 0.8 minutes, with some male donkeys taking more than 1 minute. Mating time is generally 1 to 1.5 minutes. The cervix of the female donkey in estrus is open; at the peak of estrus, the cervical canal can accommodate 2 to 3 fingers. The male donkey's penis is fully erect, the swollen glans is pushed toward the vaginal fornix, and the urethral process is inserted into the cervix. The thrusting of the penis creates negative pressure in the cervix, and during ejaculation the semen is drawn into the cervix or the body of the uterus. Because the female donkey's estrus period is long, it is relatively difficult to determine the timing of mating, but the fertilizing capacity of the male donkey's sperm in the female donkey's reproductive tract lasts as long as 3 to 5 days, so mating every other day does not affect the conception rate of the female donkey.

V. Pregnancy diagnosis

Pregnancy checks in donkeys should be carried out at around 18 days after insemination for the first pregnancy examination, which can prevent silent estrus, empty pregnancy, false estrus and induced abortion. Pregnancy examination often uses three methods: external observation, vaginal examination and rectal examination. ① External examination. That is, judging whether the female donkey is pregnant by visually observing her external manifestations. ② Vaginal examination. That is, judging whether she is pregnant by examining the vaginal mucosa and the condition of the cervix. ③ Rectal examination. As with estrus detection, judging whether she is pregnant by examining the condition of the ovaries and uterus through the rectum.