Brazilian researchers are accelerating efforts to produce donkey collagen in laboratories as populations of the animals dwindle amid surging demand from China for traditional remedies associated with youth and vitality, according to a report from the Times of India Science Desk.
The initiative comes as China’s market for donkey-derived products, particularly ejiao, a gelatin used in traditional medicine, has placed intense pressure on global donkey herds. Officials and scientists in Brazil have reportedly turned to cellular agriculture techniques to cultivate collagen without relying on live animals.
According to the Times of India, the project aims to address both the ecological strain and the commercial needs of the collagen industry. Demand in China has reportedly led to steep declines in donkey numbers across several countries that export the animals or their hides.
While exact figures on current population losses remain unclear, the report indicates that the species faces increasing risk of collapse in regions where donkeys are harvested for their skins. Brazilian teams are focusing on lab-based methods that replicate the collagen protein structure typically extracted from donkey hides.
Experts involved in the research have noted that lab-grown alternatives could reduce the incentive for large-scale donkey slaughter. The Times of India summary describes the effort as a direct response to the international trade dynamics fueled by Chinese consumer interest.
Local agricultural authorities in Brazil have been cited in the coverage as supporting the development of these biotechnological solutions. The approach mirrors other lab-grown protein projects but targets a specific niche tied to traditional Asian medicine markets.
China’s pursuit of youth-enhancing products has expanded the market for ejiao, which is made by boiling donkey hides, according to the reporting. This has created supply chain pressures that extend far beyond Asia and into South American farming communities.
Scientists working on the Brazilian project emphasize the potential for scalable production that does not depend on animal farming. The Times of India article frames the work as both a scientific and conservation measure.
Industry observers have pointed out that similar collagen extraction occurs in other species, yet the donkey-specific demand spike is unique to recent years. No official statements from Chinese regulatory bodies were included in the available coverage.
Further details on timelines or production targets were not disclosed in the initial report. Brazilian laboratories are described as racing to refine the cell-culturing process before additional population losses occur.
The story highlights how global trade in animal products for medicinal use can trigger rapid ecological consequences. Brazil’s response represents one of the first national-level attempts to substitute lab methods for traditional sourcing.
Additional verification from other outlets was unavailable at the time of reporting, leaving the primary account as the main source of information on the initiative.