Donkey

The Therapeutic , Nutraceutical and Health Benefits of Donkey Milk

May 10, 2023

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The Therapeutic , Nutraceutical and Health Benefits of Donkey Milk

Donkey is a complex creature, capable of many moods. It can be friendly, affectionate, patient, independent and especially intelligent. It has a keen sense of curiosity and an incredible memory. But it is stubborn in an original way. It is a hard animal and resistant to disease, normally it loves the hot and dry climates. Donkey has a slow gait and it is most active in the evening. The donkey (Equus asinus) is a member of the horse family, domestication began about 6000 BC in North Africa, over the centuries donkeys have spread in Asia, India, SouthAmerica and South Europe (Bordonaro et al. 2012). According to Food and Agricultural Organization Statistics (FAOSTAT 2013), among the Asian countries, India reported to be 8th position in donkey’s/asses (300000) population, after China, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq and Uzbekistan. According to Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DOAHDF 2012) and 19th livestock census report, the per cent share of donkey population during 2012 was reported to be 5.12% in Karnataka and highest of 25.56% was reported in Rajasthan state. The size of donkey varies considerably from 0.9 m to 1.6 m. The gestation is approximately of 12 months (Mariani 2008). The lactation period of Domestic Balkan donkey breed varies from 45 to 200 days (Gubic et al. 2014). Life of donkey is 25-30 years Few species exist in the wild: some of them are the African, Asiatic and Himalayan (Mariani 2008). A male donkey is referred to as a jack and a female donkey is called a jenny or jennet (Hagstrom 2004). The classifications of African and Asiatic wild donkeys were based on their height and colour. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported three distinct types of Indian asses viz., Indian, Indian wild and Kiang. Indian wild asses are available in Rann of Kutch (Gujarat) while Kiang is available in Sikkim and Laddakh. They are dark red brown with white under parts and patch behind the shoulder. Among Indian, two major types of donkeys i.e., those of larger size and smaller size are common. The larger size donkeys are light grey to almost white in colour. The smaller size ones are dark grey in colour (www.nrce.nic.in). Donkeys are majorly reared for four reasons: work, breed, milk and meat. Among these work is more important. Donkeys are used mainly as pack animals, either for carrying loads or for riding. Donkeys remain essential for rural economies in semiarid and mountainous areas of the world. The use of dairy products from donkeys was known in the Roman era and for a long time donkey milk was recognized as a common remedy. In the late nineteenth century, donkey milk was successfully used for feeding orphaned infants in France, as reported by D’Arval (1912). Compared with ruminant milk, donkey milk has been studied less in the past, but in the last years, research interest and capital investment in donkey milk have increased because its composition is similar to that of human milk. The physico-chemical composition is represented in Table below.

Donkey Milk may sound quite trendy and interesting to newcomers; however, it has been around for more than a thousand years. Due to its nutritional and health benefits, it has been gaining popularity. Did you know? Donkeys are a member of the Equidae family, which even include horses and zebras and there are various breeds of donkeys that have been domesticated globally.

The female donkey is known as Jenny, and it is her milk that is consumed by humans for various reasons, whether to maintain a healthy lifestyle or to keep the skin healthy. When compared with other dairy animals like goat, cow, camel, buffalo, and even sheep, donkey milk is most likely to resemble human breast milk. Another interesting fact about donkey milk is that it was used to feed orphaned infants in the 19th century.

How much milk does a female donkey produce? Jennies only produce approximately 4 cups, i.e., 1 liter of milk a day, which makes it quite difficult to find and is considered as a rare dairy product. There is no known disadvantage of this milk, apart from the fact that it is not easily available, and this makes it more expensive than cow milk.

Since ancient times, it has been used for its therapeutic properties that include healing diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, joint pain, gastric issues, etc. Today, in a few countries in Europe and Asia, donkey milk is used not only as a component of biological products but also plays a significant role in healthcare products and is being accepted by people globally.

Donkey milk differs from other ruminant milk as it contains lower fat, higher minerals and lactose. The major antimicrobial proteins in milk are immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and lysozyme. Donkey milk has higher antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and it could be effective in the treatment of listeriosis and staphylococcosis. Lysozyme, which is dominant in donkey milk, possesses effective in inactivation of certain viruses, anti-microbial activity, angiogenic inhibition and antitumour. Donkey milk whey protein possesses potent antiproliferative activity which has potential in the treatment of lung cancer. The protein, α-lactalbumin has a property of antiviral, antitumor and anti-stress. Donkey milk has low amount of casein very close to human milk and contains lower amount of β-lactoglobulin compared to cow milk. Donkey milk has higher amount of lactose, helps in good palatability, avoids allergy in infants and is an option for infants suffering from cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) and lactose intolerance. Donkey milk has multiple effects on the osteogenesis process, arteriosclerosis therapy rehabilitation of patient coronary heart disease, premature senescence and in hypocholesterolemic diets. Donkey milk is used in the production of fermented beverages, it has probiotic lactobacilli strains. Donkey milk is enriched with good amount of vitamins, minerals and poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), thus offering the skin care. Due to less awareness and availability, the uses of donkey milk are limited. Further studies should be conducted on the chemical composition and medicinal value of donkey milk.

The donkey milk is closet to cow milk. It may sound like a trendy newcomers to milk market but it has been more than thousand year past. It has recently gain popularity in some parts of Europe due to its nutritional and health benefits. Donkeys belong to the family Equidae, which also includes horses and zebras. Various breeds of donkey have been domesticated around the world. The female donkey known as Jennies has been known for thousands of years for their milk . The donkey milk compared with other dairy animals like goat, buffalo, sheep, cow and camel is most likely to resemble with human breast milk. Although, it was used to feed orphaned infant in the 19th century . The donkey farming becomes popular in the European countries due to their nutritional and health benefits. The female donkey produces very less quantity of milk as compared to other farming animals. One Jennies only produce about 4 cups (1 liter) of milk per day. Thus the milk is very difficult to find and considered a rare item . It is widely available as freeze dried powdered form and an ingredient in some European-imported chocolate bars. In Italy donkey milk is key component in some infant and medical nutrceuticals [5]. On the other hand there is not any real disadvantage of this incredible gift of nature. Health experts or dieticians always suggested it should be used regularly. But there is one disadvantage of this milk is less production due to small size of donkey udder that makes it slightly more expensive than cow milk. One liter of this nector is cost around $50. In view of the fact the donkey milk is healthy as well as tasty truly be a perfect combination for more pleasant and responsible way of living .

Nutritional characteristics of donkey milk

The jenny milk exceptionally having high nutritional benefits amongst other farming animals milk. Production of jenny milk may be an interesting, profitable and alternate activity for farmers. Considering its unique nutritional category, donkey milk may be widely employed to fulfill the nutritional requirement of newborn, heart and cholesteromic patient . The increasing health problem including cow milk allergy, heart disease and hypercholesteromic and other health problem, the acquisition of jenny milk will be important in clinical and nutritional aspects. Few researchers have been reported that the human breast milk and donkey milk are very much similar in nutritional value. It is the source of various vitamins and minerals along with essential proteins. It is also less in fat content and thus lowers calories and has mire vitamin D than other milk . The nutritional information for 100 ml of donkey milk, vitamin –D-fortified cow milk and human breast milk depicted in Table 1.

Table1: Nutritional information of donkey milk, vitamin –D-fortified and human breast milk.
Composition of Donkey’s, Mare’s, Human Breast and Cow’s milk (g/100 g) [10].
Composition	Donkey	Mare	Human Breast	Cow
pH	7.0 – 7.2	7.18	7.0 – 7.5	6.6 – 6.8
Protein g/100g	1.5 – 1.8	1.5 – 2.8	0.9 – 1.7	3.1 – 3.8
Fat g/100g	0.3 – 1.8	0.5 – 2.0	3.5 – 4.0	3.5 – 3.9
Calories g/100g	49	51	70	61
Carbs g/100g	6	6	7	5
Lactose g/100g	5.8 – 7.4	5.8 – 7.0	6.3 – 7.0	4.4 – 4.9
Total Solids (TS) g/100 g	8.8–11.7	9.3–11.6	11.7–12.9	12.5–13.0
Casein Nitrogen (CN) g/100 g	0.64–1.03	0.94–1.2	0.32–0.42	2.46–2.80
Whey protein g/100 g	0.49–0.80	0.74–0.91	0.68–0.83	0.55–0.70
NPN g/100 g	0.18–0.41	0.17–0.35	0.26–0.32	0.1–0.19
Casein Nitrogen (CN) %	47.28	50	26.06	77.23
Whey protein %	36.96	38.79	53.52	17.54
NPN %	15.76	11.21	20.42	5.23
Vitamin D%	23	21	9	1
Calcium %	2	2	2	13
Cholesterol %	3	3	5	3
Riboflavin %	2	25	2	13

The donkey milk is contain very heterogeneous group of molecule including casein, whey proteins, milk fat globule proteins, enzyme and other miscellaneous minor proteins . The molecules present in donkey milk shows close proximity with human milk. The protein composition of donkey milk is considerably different from cow milk. The total protein content is lower (1.5-1.8 g/100g) than cow milk and relatively similar to that of human and mare milk. Due to low protein content it put fewer loads on renal system . Donkey milk contain high amount of lactose content (5.8-7.4%) which is higher than cow milk and much similar to human milk. The high content is responsible for the good palatability of milk and facilitates the intestinal absorption of calcium that is essential for infant’s bone mineralization . The donkey milk mainly has three proteins viz. α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin and lysozyme. Recently, some study suggested that α-lactalbumin has antiviral, antitumor and antistress properties. One of the main protein allergens in children is β-lactoglobulin that is the major whey protein in cow milk and absent in human milk. The content of β- lactoglobulin in donkey milk is approximately 40% of the whey proteins which is lower than that in cow milk . The donkey milk contain two forms of caseins namely, αS-1 and β-caseins that are present in different phosphorylated and glycosylated forms. These casein are present in very less amount then cow milk . Some investigators suggested that the donkey milk contain lower percentage of allergen such β-lactoglobulin and αS-1 than cow milk. Due to the lower percentage of potent allergen in the donkey milk is considered hypoallergenic and suitable for the consumption for both infants and elderly people .

Donkey milk: Substitute of human breast milk

In the world every animal produce a kind of breast secretion called milk to nourish their young one ensuring their growth and development. This is equally true for humans. The best milk for an infant is breast milk which is responsible for healthy and harmonious development. However, some time when it is not possible a safe and valid choice is necessary to find milk that meets the needs of the infant. While choosing the alternative milk the safety, allergic, availability, taste, nutritional component and cost given priority. Donkey milk is considered milk similar to human milk, especially regarding its nutritional component, protein composition and hypoallerginicity. Donkey milk is also an important food in the geriatric field and in cases of calcium deficiency . Some investigators have shown that donkey milk has similar organoleptic characteristic to human breast milk also less allergic. Due to the similarities between donkey milk and human breast milk it is not considered only food but as a nutracetical. Due to its health benefits it is not only used in early childhood nutrition, but also as a supplement in the diet of elderly people. The active ingredient similarities of g/100g of donkey milk and human breast milk shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Percentage composition (g/100 g) of donkey milk (evidenced in bold) and comparison with human milk [21].
Milk	Water	Dry Matter	Fat	Proteins	Lactose	Ashes	Energy Value (kJ/kg)
Human	87.57	12.43	3.38	1.64	6.69	0.22	2855.6
Donkey	90.39	9.61	1.21	1.74	6.23	0.43	1939.4

The absorption and metabolism of donkey milk is similar due to similarities in bioactive ingredients. The metabolism and function of donkey milk in human body is depicted in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Metabolism and main function of donkey milk .

Health benefits of donkey milk

Donkey milk is most often taken due to its exceptionally high nutritional content and health benefit. Recently it has gained a lot of attention as an allergen friendly and immune boosting properties. Compared with the protein in cow’s milk, which has about five times more casein than whey, the protein in donkey milk has roughly equal parts casein and whey . Given its significantly lower casein content, many people with a cow’s milk protein allergy can tolerate donkey milk, as they find that donkey milk does not cause an allergic response . In an Italian in 81 children who has allergy to cow milk, swapping to donkey milk found that all were able to digest it without any allergic or negative interaction with regular height and weight gain . Another important component of donkey milk is lactose. It helps body to absorb calcium, which is important for strong bones . The other component present in donkey milk mainly vitamin D may support healthier immune system and lower cardiovascular disorders. A lab study had shown that donkey milk able to induced cytokines production, the protein that stimulate to boost immunity. In the same study it was found that donkey milk also signals cells to produce nitric oxide, a compound that dilate blood vessel thus improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure .

Role of donkey milk in nutrition

Natural hypoallergenic milk for infants: Cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common food allergy among children age below 3 years. On the other hand the donkey milk is used as natural hypoallergenic milk without any adverse effect among the users [27]. Several studies shown that the donkey milk is less allergic than cow milk. In the late 20th century it was used to feed orphaned infants and sick children in the European countries due to its excellent bioactive molecules. Donkey milk is very much resemblance with the human breast milk for its lactose, protein and minerals. The donkey milk having the immune active compound such as lysozyme and lactoferrin probably boosting the immune system of the infants. Donkey milk supplemented with vegetable oil (4ml/100ml) mimic breast milk .

Fermented donkey milk

Equid i.e. donkey and mare milk widely used as a suitable medium for probiotic beverage production by using lactobacillus bacteria. Koumiss fermented equid milk used in central Asia from ancient time . Koumiss is the national drink, of Mongolia. The mongolian have a saying that ‘kumys cures 40 diseases .

Cosmetics with donkey milk

In modern times the cosmetic industry mainly focused on the products made with natural ingredients. The milk origin is natural and it is a key ingredients widely used in the cosmetic industry. Various scientific studies have proven that the cosmetic products containing donkey milk showed exceptional high benefits for the skin . The donkey milk is enrich in protein, minerals, essential fats, bioactive enzymes and various growth factors like riboflavin, vitamin D etc. provide natural nourishment to skin and toned it. The donkey milk naturally contain antibacterial compound such as lysozyme and lactoferrin inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria on skin and reduce the rate of skin infection. Due to these properties the donkey milk formulated with some chemical may used to treat acne, psoriasis, eczema and other related skin infection. Nowadays, donkey milk is also used in the manufacturing of soap and face cream .

Donkey Milk Nutrition:

It has a nutritive value that is similar to that of human milk. The whey protein present in donkey milk is higher and contains a greater amount of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acids, lower fat content and cholesterol and is rich in calcium and selenium.

It has strong antioxidant properties, lowers the aging process, and is even rich in immune-boosting substances. Experts have said that donkey milk has various medicinal properties,which are very beneficial. Did you know? Hippocrates recommended it for almost every sickness and Pope Francis consumed it as an infant. It is low in fat and rich in lactose, along with Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, and E, proteins, calcium, anti-allergens, anti-bacterial enzymes, and essential fatty acids.

It has known properties to lower cholesterol and protect against intestinal infections, along with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and even whooping cough. It contains essential amino acids, which fit the human body appropriately and is said to be beneficial for infants, as it can promote their bone growth.

Donkey Milk Benefits:

It has various other benefits, which have been mentioned below:

One of the perfect substitutes to human milk:

It is a natural process, that after giving birth, every animal produces milk, to nurture their infants, which will guarantee their growth. This is the same for humans too. The best milk for an infant is considered as the one that is responsible for their healthy and proper development. When choosing an alternative to mother’s milk, the safety, allergy, availability, taste, nutritional component and quality must be kept in check. In terms of this, it is considered the closest to human milk, especially in terms of its nutritional component, hypoallergenicity, and protein composition. In cases of calcium deficiency too, donkey milk plays a significant role as researchers have stated that it has similar characteristics to that of human milk. It is due to the similarities between humans and this milk, that it is not only considered as food but is also seen as a source of nutrition.

The new elixir for skin: :

Donkey milk is known as the ‘natural elixir of youth’. It contains very special ingredients for the skin, such as vitamins A, D, and C, along with proteins and fatty acids. This is the perfect blend for the skin, for various reasons.

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A, which is known for its ability to encourage skin cell turnover and make it look younger. Vitamin A does not cause irritation on the skin and as donkey milk is said to contain a high amount of antioxidants, skin cell renewal can be said to be one of the main functions of the milk.

It further contains Vitamin D, which is known as one of the most important vitamins for the skin, and along with its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also helpful in delaying skin aging. There are various studies that even suggest that it can help in assisting in inflammatory diseases like eczema, acne, and even rosacea. A few of the other vitamins that it contains is Vitamin C, which can benefit all skin types, as said by dermatologists and experts. Experts say that donkey milk has 60 times more Vitamin C than cow’s milk. This helps in improving the collagen production in the skin and even helps in fighting free radicals and maintains an even skin tone.

Did you know?

Cleopatra swore by donkey milk for her flawless beauty and made it an essential part of her beauty regime.

It even helps in rejuvenating the skin and keeps it hydrated, alleviates redness, and prevents irritated skin. It helps manage your skin problems and tightens your dull, saggy skin.

With its immunity-boosting properties, it keeps all the viruses at bay:

It is loaded with significant vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Being lower in fat, and having a higher amount of Vitamin D, it can help in boosting immunity. It has lower amounts of casein and high amounts of whey proteins that have antimicrobial properties that can help in reducing the growth of bacteria and viruses. It even contains lactose, which can help the body to absorb a higher amount of calcium that keeps the bones strong and healthy.

It is favourable for lactose intolerants:

It has recently gained importance due to its properties as an adequate alternative for infants with lactose intolerance, mainly due to its nutritional similarities with human milk. It even has excellent palatability and tolerance, unlike sheep or goat milk. Further, the primary structure of the caseins present in the milk shows important differences when compared to other species. This may contribute towards the explanation of its anti-allergenic properties and greater digestibility.

Donkey Milk Uses:

Having the natural property of being more than just food, donkey milk has been gaining popularity for its health benefits. It is a very well-known ingredient in the cosmetics industry. In fact, there is a greater chance for you to find a skincare product, such as skin moisturizers and soaps than donkey milk beverages.

It is said by experts that donkey milk has the ability to hold water that makes it an excellent moisturizer. A few proteins in the milk act as antioxidants that safeguard the cells from oxidative damage, which also involves the ones affected by the sun. This gives it anti-aging benefits too!

Donkey milk has been given the title of a traditional “Pharmafood” as it has all the required nutrients and vitamins for the proper growth of humans and the maintenance of their health. It may sound like a ‘fad’, but it has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times, which was used as a health-boosting infusion and skin-moisturizing augmenting management.

It may be difficult to find donkey milk as a beverage, however, various companies, such as Aadvik Foods, are emerging with Donkey Milk Powder.

Benefits Of Donkey Milk

Excellent Infant Nutrition Option

In terms of its nutrient composition, protein composition, and hypoallergenic properties, donkey milk is comparable to human milk. There are a lot of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in donkey milk. Given that it contains nine times as much taurine as cow’s milk, donkey’s milk is a fantastic substitute for human milk. Taurine is a crucial nutrient that promotes neonatal growth. Taurine must be obtained from outside sources because the human body is unable to produce it. Due to this, sick small children and elderly patients were given donkey milk at the beginning of the 19th century.

Excellent For Those Who Have Cow Milk Allergy

Because it contains more whey and less casein per serving than cow’s milk, it is more allergen-friendly than cow’s milk. Formula made with cow’s milk causes reactions in 2-7% of children who consume it. Studies show that donkey milk enriched with sunflower oil can replace cow milk. In a study, 81 children who were allergic to cow milk were able to digest donkey milk without any allergic reactions or detrimental effects on their weight or growth.

Might Fight Off Infections

Donkey milk has large amounts of lactoferrin, fatty acids, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme, all of which naturally have antibacterial properties. It is effective against dangerous microorganisms like Salmonella, Listeria, Enterococcus, and enterococci.

Might Lessen Inflammation

Donkey milk consumption can reduce inflammation by increasing levels of antimicrobial peptides, according to a mouse study. It can also send out anti-inflammatory signals, which lowers inflammation and maintains normal health.

Could Resist Infections

Large concentrations of lactoferrin, fatty acids, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme—all of which have inherent antibacterial properties—can be found in donkey milk. Salmonella, Listeria, Enterococcus, and enterococci are just a few of the harmful pathogens that it is effective against.

Could Reduce Inflammation

According to a mouse study, drinking donkey milk can decrease inflammation by raising levels of antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, it has the capacity to transmit anti-inflammatory signals, which reduce inflammation and uphold normal health.

Might Encourage Heart Health

Donkey milk is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably linoleic acid, and has a low n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio. Furthermore, it has low atherogenic and thrombogenic index values and a high concentration of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Along with lowering cholesterol, avoiding blood clots, and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and thrombosis, these factors also have immune-stimulatory effects (formation of a blood clot).

Might Encourage Heart Health

Helps in Digestion

Donkey milk has a high lactose content, which promotes the growth of gut microbes. Because of its high whey protein to casein ratio, the nutrient is easy for a baby to digest and assimilate.

Aid in Managing Diabetes

A type 2 diabetic rat study suggests that consuming donkey milk powder may reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin resistance. Donkey milk and powder are preferable for neonates with cow milk allergy, cerebrovascular conditions, or diabetes mellitus. This nutrient-dense beverage is known as a “pharma food.”

Conclusion

Donkey has accompanied our lives since ancient times. The mules are used for agricultural activities. But on the other hand female donkeys are of great interest due to their milk. The donkey milk reported that this is very much closest to human breast milk with great health benefit. In the late 20th century the donkey milk used to feed the orphaned and sick children in the European countries. The donkey milk is also less allergic than cow milk so it can help in replacing cow milk protein allergy (CMPA). Due to its pleasant and sweet taste this could be easily included in children’s menu. The donkey milk also enrich with vitamin C (60 times more than cow’s milk) , A , D, E, omega -3 and -6 fatty acids, minerals such as calcium, zinc and magnesium suitable for the growth and development of children. Apart from this the donkey milk also strengthens immunity and other respiratory tract infection such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, cough and asthma. It is also more than beneficial for those suffering from osteoporosis and other bone illnesses due to high percentage of vitamin D and calcium. It is also used in cosmetic industry for the formulation of different soap and cream. Still there is vast gap and research and development is required in this field to explore the more health and nutritional benefits of donkey milk.

Since ancient times, all domesticated animals play a crucial role in community establishment and development, likewise donkey had notable role in the economy in different ways. As, the donkeys are chiefly fostered; a) as pack animal or for work b) for milk c) variety or breed & d) for flesh. But now a day the many researches highlighted the closeness of human and donkey milk profile which has increased its multifaceted demand in different fields as in health, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and for immunocompromised infants. DM contains variety of proteins as lysozyme, lactoferrin and α-lactalbumin which not only maintains milk preservative properties but also wield antimicrobial, antioxidative, antifungal, anti-aging, anti-tumour, nutritive growth promoting properties. So, it can be the best substitute of mother milk if mother is ill or for orphaned child. Although donkey milk has such values, it is less appreciated thus its consumption is restricted because of lack of awareness and myths.

Disclaimer: This content, is intended to provide only general information to the readers. It is not a replacement for a qualified medical opinion. For more details, always consult a specialist or your doctor.