Pakistan’s donkey population has witnessed a significant increase of 109,000 over the past year, rising from 5.938 million to 6.047 million. This surge is primarily attributed to the escalating Chinese demand for donkey hides and meat, as detailed in a report by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The PBS data also indicates substantial growth in other livestock categories, including bovine and ovine animals.
According to the document, the country’s buffalo population expanded by nearly 1.38 million, reaching a total of 47.688 million.
In the category of smaller animals, the number of sheep increased by 388,000 to 33.119 million, while the goat population saw a considerable rise of over 2.35 million, now totaling 89.393 million. Camel numbers experienced a modest increase of 14,000, bringing their total to 1.177 million. Furthermore, the horse population grew by 1,000 to 383,000, and mules increased by 3,000, now standing at 227,000.
Overall, the total livestock count across Pakistan rose by 2.171 million during the year, climbing from 575.4 million to 597.11 million.
These expanding figures underscore the ongoing growth within the livestock sector, which plays a vital role in Pakistan’s rural economy and national food supply.
The Donkey Trade
As Pakistan’s donkey population continues its upward trend, China remains a crucial market. Donkey meat is utilized in Chinese cuisine, and their hides are essential for producing e-jiao, a traditional medicinal gelatin.
Previously, exports faced limitations due to delays in finalizing necessary protocols, which have now been completed.
Citing animal welfare organizations and veterinary experts, a Reuters report published last year highlighted that China’s demand for e-jiao is driving the slaughter of millions of donkeys annually.
Geo News reported in February that a slaughterhouse in Gwadar has commenced production to cater to the surge in demand for donkey meat, bones, and hides in China, specifically for the manufacturing of the traditional product, e-jiao.
E-jiao Industry’s Annual Demand for Donkeys
According to a report released in February by The Donkey Sanctuary, a British charity dedicated to the welfare of donkeys, the e-jiao industry requires an estimated 5.9 million donkey skins annually. This demand has exerted unprecedented pressure on global donkey populations.
The government-backed China Daily newspaper states that e-jiao has a 3,000-year history in the northern Shandong province. This province accounts for approximately 90% of China’s e-jiao production.
Chinese state media regards e-jiao as a “national cultural heritage” and one of the most significant products within the traditional Chinese medicine industry.
