The human-animal relationship and its influence in our culture: the case of donkeys

Abstract

Donkeys (Equus asinus) face a global crisis. Their health, welfare, and even their local survival are compromised as the demand for their skins increases. Such demand for donkey skins aims to supply the ejiao industry. Ejiao is a traditional remedy made from the collagen of donkey skins. Some people believe it has medicinal properties. It is estimated that the ejiao industry currently requires approximately 4.8 million donkey skins per year. Although the future of the donkeys is still uncertain, we must guarantee a life free from suffering to the animals under our responsibility. The trade of donkey skins also undermines the cultural role of donkeys. Donkeys have developed an essential role in Brazil, especially in the Northeast region of the country, carrying on their backs construction materials, water, and food, and, as a consequence, helping people build cities in the deepest hinterland. The close relationship between people and donkeys affords donkeys a unique place in the local culture. This central importance has been recognized by Brazilian artists throughout history. We have many examples of songs, books, “cordeis” (typical Brazilian literature), poems, documentaries, movies, woodcuts, paintings, and sculptures, created to honor this important actor. Here we describe some examples of this human-donkey relationship, and its influence on our culture.

Management of Donkeys in Assisted Interventions: A Snapshot

“…Both guidelines and the scientific literature identify interdisciplinarity as the key to the success of AAIs as well as for the protection of animal welfare. The concept of One Welfare itself encompasses the idea of interdisciplinarity [ 12 , 30 ]. However, both our findings and the existing literature seem to reflect a certain challenge in realizing this principle.…”

“…Despite numerous past and present stories of mistreatment, this species seems to be finally valued in the context of Assisted Interventions [ 1 , 12 ]. Nevertheless, the Italian National Guidelines emphasize the “work-oriented” nature of AAIs [ 6 ].…”

Donkey Skin Trade and Its Non-compliance With Legislative Framework

“…The Federal Constitution of 1988 (article 215) protects the Brazilian cultural heritage in all its expressions, ways of creating, doing, and living. Donkeys have well-documented historical and cultural importance as an integral part of Brazil's cultural heritage, according to the constitutional provision ( 28 ).…”

Effects of concentrate feeding sequence on VFA production, and cecal microbiota of Dezhou donkeys by metagenomic technology

“…As societal preferences evolve toward diverse and health-conscious dietary options, donkey-derived products such as ejiao, donkey meat, and milk have gained popularity ( 4 , 5 ). Consequently, the primary role of donkeys has shifted from labor to food production, fostering the development of a market driven by specialized branding enterprises ( 6 ). In recent years, the donkey-raising industry has emerged as a novel sector in China.…”