Donkeys were traditionally used as draft animals for transporting cargo, as a means of transportation, and for riding purposes before the advent of mechanization. Following this historical shift, their economic significance declined, making them targets for other industries, such as Chinese industries that use donkey skin to extract gelatin (ejiao). Since donkey slaughter is not a regulated activity in Brazil, the welfare and survival of donkeys are increasingly at risk as demand for their skins rises. Complaints filed by public agencies in Brazil have raised concerns about the donkey slaughter chain in the country, questioning whether this production system operates under regulated standards or follows an extractive model. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production system of donkeys destined for slaughter in Brazil through physical and hematological assessments, aiming to identify potential systemic failures that may compromise animal welfare. To achieve this, physical and hematological evaluations were conducted on a group of 104 abandoned donkeys. The physical assessments aimed to determine the animals’ sex, estimate their age, and evaluate their body condition score (BCS). These were conducted through examination of the genital organs and dental arcades, with the neck evaluated using a scale from 0 to 4 and the body condition assessed using a scale from 1 to 9, respectively. Hematological assessments included the measurement of hematocrit (HT), total plasma protein (TPP), and plasma concentration of fibrinogen. Most of the donkeys were entire males (n = 50–48.08%), with a median age of 15.1 years. The body condition score was 2 or 3 (n = 36, 52%), and the neck condition score was 1 (n = 3, 37.5%). The majority of animals had hematocrit levels above 25%, total plasma protein levels below 7.5 g/dL, and fibrinogen levels exceeding 400 mg/dL. Based on the data analysis, the animals were characterized as being in poor health, since all groups exhibited altered body and neck condition score, plasma fibrinogen concentration, and total plasma protein. These parameters may be indicative of malnutrition and systemic inflammation, even though other laboratory results showed no signs of disease. Activities characterized by mistreatment contribute to an unsustainable extractive model.

Equine Purpura Hemorrhagica (EPH) is an acute disease secondary to an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction characterized by generalized vasculitis, often caused by complications from infection by Streptococcus equi equi. The disease is characterized by generalized edema in the subcutaneous tissue, hemorrhages in the mucous membranes, and fistulas in the extremities. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, history, and complementary tests such as blood count, biochemical tests, skin biopsy, and pathogen isolation. This paper aims to report on ozone therapy as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of purpura hemorrhagica in horses. A 6-year-old Quarter Horse, female, with a history of equine adenitis previously treated with a underdose of antibiotics, the animal presented apathy, dyspnea, limb edema, petechial hemorrhages in the ocular and vaginal mucosa and fistulas in the limbs for 15 days. Allopathic therapy was implemented alongside ozone therapy via rectal insufflation and minor autohemotherapy at VG1 points and immunity points. After 30 days of treatment, the animal showed regression of clinical signs and complete recovery. The combination of therapies was effective in the treatment of purpura hemorrhagica in horses; however, further studies are needed to standardize ozone therapy and minor autohemotherapy protocols in the treatment of equine conditions.

Rectal prolapse a rectal static disorder and is more common in donkey than in horses. The aim of this study was to relate the cases of three type II retained prolapses in northeastern donkeys (Equus asinus) that were vulnerable and mistreated, from the exploratory chain to decrease. Two males and one female, which were treated, exhibited an evolution of prolapse over 6, 24, and 96 h. Tachycardia and tachypnea were observed in the two cases with the shortest duration of prolapse evolution, for which conservative mechanical reversal was effective, without the need for a surgical procedure. Conditions differed between the heart rate and respiratory parameters in case with 96 h of evolution, or in those where it was necessary to use epidural anesthesia and sphincter suture with a tobacco bag pattern. The findings of this study reinforce the need to compile cases from the literature to establish a standard protocol for rectal prolapse in donkeys.

O abandono e a exploração de jumentos (Equus asinus) tornaram-se um problema global, agravado pela demanda por ejiao, colágeno extraído de sua pele, além da mecanização agrícola e urbanização. Esses fatores têm provocado tráfico, abate ilegal e declínio populacional em vários países. No Brasil, especialmente no Nordeste, os impactos são significativos, afetando uma espécie historicamente ligada à cultura e à economia rural. Nesse contexto, o Grupo de Pesquisa e Extensão em Equídeos e Saúde Integrativa da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (GRUPEQUI/UFAL) atua no resgate, tratamento e encaminhamento de jumentos para adoção responsável. Este trabalho visa levantar dados sobre animais resgatados, adotados e que vieram a óbito, entre 2022 e 2025, avaliando a efetividade das ações de proteção. Durante o período, foram resgatados 30 asininos, entre machos e fêmeas, destes 3 vieram a óbito por condições de maus tratos quando resgatados. Foi realizada apenas uma campanha de adoção, que repercutiu na adoção de 17 animais, representando 57%. Este estudo evidencia a relevância das ações de resgate e adoção na preservação dos jumentos nordestinos, uma espécie historicamente ligada à cultura, religião e economia dessa região.

The use of carthorses remains common in rural areas, small towns, and the outskirts of metropolises. The welfare of these animals has only recently received attention, aiming to improve health, longevity, and productivity. This study aimed to characterize urban draft horses from Alagoas, Brazil, through physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters, and the calculation of carrying capacity, to support the creation of more appropriate public policies. A total of 76 crossbred horses of different ages and sexes were evaluated through physical examination, hematological and biochemical analysis, as well as body condition scoring, body weight measurement, and calculation of pulling capacity. Results showed a predominance of adult females, with an average weight of 320kg. Increased heart and respiratory rates were observed in most animals, along with anemia in 35.5% and elevated CK enzyme in 10.5%, indicating possible muscle injuries. Most horses had body condition scores between 4 and 6, considered adequate for work. Carrying capacity varied according to age and weight, with adults showing higher values (648kg on average), and a categorization by weight range was proposed for regulation. The findings reinforce the need for public policies that consider animal health and welfare, including periodic individual evaluations and standardization of parameters.

The present study identified the main endoparasites present in donkeys (Equus asinus) used in skin exploitation located in Cando municipality, Bahia State, Northeast of Brazil. The samples were collected from September 2019. Feces were collected from the rectal ampulla of 34 animals, macroscopically visualized for parasitic forms, and microscopically evaluated to identify endoparasites forms using the McMaster method. Parasitological results were associated with sex, age, and bodyweight Stata Corp LLC 14. Endoparasites were found in 82.3% of the animals, with the egg count ranging from 50 to 1050 eggs per gram (EPG). The sole presence of superfamily Trichostronglylidae was observed in 67.6% of the donkeys, in 8.8% co-infected by Trichostronglylidae and Eimeria spp., while Trichostronglylidae and Strongyloides westeri was detected in 2.9%, and simultaneous infection by Trichostronglylidae, Strongyloides westeri, and Oxyuris equi was observed in 2.9%. The occurrence of parasitic infections varies according to nutritional status, age, sex, and environmental exposure (p>0.05). A high occurrence of infection was observed in young animals and those with lower body weight.