Mediterranean Donkey Milk Production
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From Equine Science Update:
Donkey milk has been prized since ancient times for its cosmetic and nutritional benefits. According to legend, Cleopatra, famed for her beauty, bathed in donkey milk to maintain her radiant complexion. It is said that she kept a herd of 700 donkeys to ensure a steady supply of milk for her beauty rituals.
In modern times, donkey milk is increasingly recognised as a valuable dairy alternative due to its unique composition and health benefits. But is all donkey milk the same, or do breed differences influence its properties?
A study led by Mohamed Aroua, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Jendouba, Tunisia, and the University of Molise, Italy, examined the milk production and nutritional quality of two Mediterranean donkey breeds, Masri and North African. The research analysed the volume of milk produced and its nutritional components, including proteins, fats, amino acids, and fatty acids.
Nutritional analysis highlighted notable differences in milk composition:
- Protein Content: North African donkey milk had higher protein levels (1.45 g/100 g) and β-lactoglobulin, essential for nutritional and functional properties.
- Fat Content: Masri donkey milk contained more fat (1.16 g/100 g), particularly unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, which are known for their cardiovascular benefits. In contrast, North African milk had higher levels of palmitic acid, a saturated fat.
- Amino Acids: North African milk was rich in glutamate, while Masri milk had higher levels of aspartate.
North African donkeys outperformed Masri donkeys in milk yield, producing significantly more milk over the lactation period. This makes them particularly suitable for functional food applications where higher yield and protein content are desired.
Both breeds demonstrated the potential to produce high-quality milk suitable for human consumption. However, North African donkeys showed an edge in terms of productivity and nutrient profiles, making their milk better suited for functional food and nutritional applications.
This research highlights the promise of donkey milk as a niche, health-focused dairy product. Promoting its production could support sustainable agricultural practices and enhance rural economies.
Promoting donkey milk production could support sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to rural economic development by introducing a niche, health-focused dairy product into the market.
For more details, see:
Aroua, Mohamed, Antonella Fatica, Samia Ben Said, Mokhtar Mahouachi, and Elisabetta Salimei.
Preserving Mediterranean Donkeys: A Study on Milk Production and Nutritional Benefits
Animals (2024) vol 14, no. 24: 3713.
