Donkey meat has been recognized as a nutritive food for human consumption in China because of its protein, vitamins, and mineral contents. However, the genetic mechanisms governing muscle growth and meat quality in donkeys are poorly understood, particularly in terms of proteomics. Our study was the first to use data-independent acquisition (DIA)-based quantitative proteomics to investigate differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in donkey muscles. A total of 111 and 127 proteins in the semitendinosus (ST)/longissimus thoracis (LT) and gluteus maximus (GM)/LT muscles were differentially expressed. The most significant potential pathways in meat quality were the GnRH and MAPK pathways between ST and LT and the fat digestion and absorption and regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathways between GM and LT. Several DAPs were closely related to muscle growth and meat quality. These findings could contribute to an improved understanding of the key proteins and processes involved in muscle growth and meat quality in donkey. • Data-independent acquisition (DIA) method was used to detected DAPs in donkey meat. • Identified the specific proteins involved in donkey muscle growth and meat quality. • Donkey meat quality might involve in fat digestion and absorption and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]