 A studbook for the breed was established in France in 1884, and the 19th and early 20th centuries saw them being used for the production of mules throughout Europe.During this same time, Poitou bloodlines were also used to develop other donkey breeds, including the American Mammoth Jack in the United States.Increasing mechanization in the mid-20th century saw a decline in the need for, and hence population of, the breed, and by 1977, a survey found only 44 members worldwide.