Editorial
Editorial: Camelid farming, production, reproduction, health, and welfare
Frontiers in veterinary science, Vol.12(19), pp.1-4
22/08/2025
PMID: 40919039
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Abstract
Abstract The number of donkeys in Europe has significantly declined in recent decades due to mechanization; however, recently, the demand for donkey milk and other purposes has led to a slight increase in their population. However, information on how they are kept and managed, and their welfare is limited. This review aimed to explore the husbandry, management, and welfare of donkeys (Equus asinus) across European Union member states, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique was used. The search was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science, identifying 797 records that were screened using titles, keywords, and abstracts, resulting in 78 retained records. An additional 19 records were identified using snowballing and experts' suggestions, bringing the total to 97. Dairy donkeys have been studied mainly in Italy, and there they are usually managed under extensive to semi-intensive husbandry systems. Donkeys involved in human intervention therapies are generally managed semi-intensively. Based on the literature, most donkeys are provided with shelter and outdoor access, and this can be with or without pasture, Animals 2025, 15, 2768 https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192768 Animals 2025, 15, 2768 2 of 29 except the free-range donkeys that graze year-round. Health and management-related issues (e.g., obesity, dental disorders, and hoof disorders) could be overlooked, potentially compromising their welfare. The feeding management of donkeys is generally traditional and poorly studied, relying mainly on forages supplemented with concentrates. Most donkeys suffer from overweight/obesity except for lactating donkeys, which are often underweight. This may indicate unbalanced feeding practices. Improved understanding of housing and feeding management is essential for establishing evidence-based welfare guidelines tailored to the donkeys' species-specific needs.
Details
- Title
- Editorial: Camelid farming, production, reproduction, health, and welfare
- Creators
- Asim Faraz - Bahauddin Zakariya UniversityCarlos Iglesias Pastrana - Andalusian Institute for Agricultural, Fishing, Food and Ecological Production Research and Training (Spain)Laura Menchetti - Università di CamerinoBarbara Padalino - University of Bologna
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in veterinary science, Vol.12(19), pp.1-4
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media SA
- Number of pages
- 4
- Identifiers
- 991013372735102368
- Copyright
- © 2025 Faraz, Iglesias Pastrana, Menchetti and Padalino.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Veterinary Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Editorial