Pakistan has taken a significant step into a burgeoning market by starting exports of donkey meat, bones, and hides to China. This initiative follows the launch of a dedicated slaughterhouse in Gwadar under a bilateral agreement. The move not only reflects the growing demand in China for donkey-derived products but also sparks conversations about its implications for the population, local industries, and animal welfare.
China’s demand for donkey by-products primarily stems from the production of e-jiao, a traditional medicine derived from processed donkey hide. E-jiao has been used historically in Chinese medicine for its purported health benefits, especially in improving blood health, treating anemia, and boosting energy.
However, the production of e-jiao requires a steady supply of donkey hides, and as China’s domestic donkey’s population has declined sharply over the years, the country has turned to imports to meet demand.
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Officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research spoke to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Food Security. They informed the committee about a Chinese firm. The firm has started processing donkey carcasses in Gwadar. This is being done under a bilateral agreement.
In Pakistan donkey’s population is approximately 5.9 million. China has emerged as a major market for donkey products. In China, its meat is consumed. Donkey hides are used for medicinal purposes. They are also utilized for industrial applications.
