African Donkey Genetic Resources, Diversity and Breeding Strategies

Abstract

Abstract The African continent is a leading producer of donkeys in the world, with major concentrations in the arid and semi-arid environments. Notwithstanding, the donkey remains the least studied among major livestock species despite its enormous support to low- and middle-income communities. The first two sections of this Chapter (Sections 10.1 and 10.2) provide a comprehensive overview of current statistics of donkey production by regions in Africa, as well as the centre of origin of domestication and possible routes of dispersion in Africa. Section 10.3 is dedicated to discussion on 27 different African donkey breeds or types, most of which are named after the country or region where they are raised. For each breed or type, the chapter summarises: origin, distribution, population statistics if available, physical characteristics including some breed photos, adaptive and resilience features, typical production systems and production characteristics. The depth of discussion is different between breeds due to the differential availability of data or information. Sections 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7 further considered donkey breeding and production systems in Africa, diversity and population structure, conservation and important roles that donkeys play in Africa. In Sections 10.8 and 10.9, the chapter concludes with an overview of challenges in the donkey enterprise, including major threats to the donkey populations in Africa and future prospects.