Donkey Breeds in Europe - Safeguard for Agricultural Varieties in ...

ITALY
The study "Risorse genetiche agrarie in Italia" from the Monitoring Institute from
2000/2001 showed an alarming situation for the donkey breeds in Italy: Six donkey
breeds are extinct. This is especially tragic, because the Apenin Peninsula is one
of the cradles of European Donkey breeding. Here rock designs were found from
the 2000BC. The following table shows the extinct donkey breeds.
Breed Breeding area
Cariovilli Abruzze (Aquila)
Castelmorone (Castel Morrone) Kampania (Caserta)
Emiliano
Grigio viterbese Lazio (Viterbo)
Irpinia Campania (Benevento; Avellino)
Sant' Alberto Emilia Romagna (Ravenna; Forli)
Tab. 5: Extinct Donkey breeds in Italy
During the last few years, intensive work for the still existing donkey breeds was
undertaken. Most of the nine breeds still in existence have been accepted by the
government and breeding associations with managed herdbooks have been set
up. Furthermore products of donkey like salami, milk and milk products e.g. for
cosmetics become more and more interesting as exquisite niche products on the
market (see: http://www.lattediasina.it/ ). But still the situation for the donkey
breeds is not assured, because the number of individuals is very low.
In order to promote donkeys, a group of interested people celebrate “Asinodays” in
Italy, a three day event taking place in June 2008 (see: http://www.asinodays.org/
). "Asinodays" aimed at tourists, businesses and is also a cultural event. It is open
to social issues as it is aimed at all the enthusiasts, to the residents of the area
and, above all, to families and children – the hope is to make Reggio Emilia a recognised
pole in the world of the donkey. “Asinodays” shall be held every year from
2008 on.
Asino Amiatina (syn. Asino Amiatino; Asino dell Amiata; Amiata)
Description: This breed has distinctive
zebra stripes on the legs and ears with
dark signs. They descend from the
area around Monte Amiato in the hinterland
of Grosseto. Today some animals
can be found in the Toscana,
Reggio Emilia and in Liguria. They are
markedly agile and, therefore, specially
adapted to mountainous regions. They
are used as pack- and working animals,
but also as a draught- and riding
animal. Amiatina-donkeys have a
height at withers of 1,25m - 1,40m. The
coat is grey with eelstripe and shouldercross.
belly, mouth and rings around
the eyes are blond. Asino Amiatina is
34
source: www.ilportaledelcavallo.it
persistent and resistent against diseases. It survives in harsh conditions
Stock (2005): Total:373; mares: 198; sires: 24