Manufacturers of traditional Chinese medicine are turning to Africa and South Africa for a steady supply of donkeys , whose skin is a key ingredient in the product mix . Ejiao is used in many tonics and beverages , and its popularity has caused China 's donkey population to be reduced by nearly 50 % . However , Kenyan officials have slapped a ban on exports of the product , where prices have risen from $ 34 to $ 147 , putting the livelihoods of local farmers at risk . Meanwhile in South Africa , demand for donkeys has led to a steep decline in cruelty .
Manufacturers of traditional Chinese medicine are turning to Africa and South Africa for a steady supply of donkeys, whose skin is a key ingredient in the product ejiao. Ejiao is used in many tonics and medicines, and its popularity has caused China's donkey population to be reduced by nearly 50%. However, Kenyan officials have slapped a ban on exports of the animal, where prices have risen from $34 to $147, putting the livelihoods of local farmers at risk. Meanwhile in South Africa, demand for donkeys has led to a steep rise in cruelty.