The number of donkeys in Pakistan has increased by 109,000 in the past year to 6.047 million, compared to 5.938 million, according to a report from Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), while Chinese demand for skins and meat continues to grow.
PBS figures also show significant increases in other cattle, including cattle and sheep animals.
According to the document, the country’s buffalo population increased by almost 1.38 million, reaching a total of 47.688 million.
On the other hand, among small animals, the number of sheep increased from 388,000 to 33.119 million, while the number of goats increased considerably by more than 2.35 million, now totaling 89.393 million.
The camel heads saw a meager increase of 14,000, bringing their total to 1.177 million. In addition, the number of horses increased from 1,000 to 383,000 and the mules increased by 3,000, now to 227,000.
Overall, the total number of cattle increased by 2,171 million during the year, from 575.4 million to 597.11 million.
These growing figures reflect continuous growth in the livestock sector, which is an important part of the rural economy and food supply of the country.
Donkey company
While the donkey population of Pakistan continues to increase, China remains a major market where donkey is used in cooking and skins to produce e-jiao, a traditional medicinal gelatin.
Previously, exports were limited due to delays in the finalization of the necessary protocols, which have now been completed.
Citing social protection groups and veterinary experts, Reuters In a report published last year, said that Chinese demand from E-Jiao feeds the slaughter of millions of donkeys each year.
Geo News In February, a slaughterhouse in Gwadar began production to respond to the sharp increase in donkey meat, bones and skins in China to make the traditional product, E-Jiao.
E-jiao industry needs 5.9 million donkeys per year
The E-Jiao industry requires around 5.9 million donkey skins per year, which has exerted unprecedented pressure on world populations, according to a report published in February by the donkey sanctuary, a British charity devoted to the well-being of the animal.
E-Jiao has a 3,000-year history in the northern Shandong province, according to the Daily China newspaper supported by the government. The province represents approximately 90% of the production of Chinese Jiao, he said.
It is considered a “national cultural heritage” and is one of the most important products in the traditional Chinese medicine industry, according to Chinese media.