Donkey milk might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of dairy, but it has a fascinating history and unique qualities that make it special. From ancient times to modern-day uses in skincare and nutrition, donkey milk is gaining popularity. But how do you actually get donkey milk? Let’s dive into the process, the care involved, and why it’s such a rare and precious product.
What Is Donkey Milk?
Donkey milk comes from the domesticated donkey, scientifically known as Equus asinus. It has been used since antiquity, not only as a nutritious food for infants but also for cosmetic purposes, thanks to its skin-friendly properties. Unlike cow’s milk, donkey milk is closer to human milk in composition, making it easier to digest and less allergenic for some people.
The Milking Process: It’s Not Like Milking a Cow
Milking a donkey is quite different and more delicate than milking cows or goats. Here’s why:
– Donkeys are sensitive animals. The female donkey, called a Jenny, will only release her milk if her foal (baby donkey) is present. This is because the presence of the foal stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that triggers milk letdown.
– The foal always gets the first priority. For the first two months, all the milk produced by the Jenny is reserved exclusively for her baby to ensure it gets the best start in life. Only after this period can some milk be collected for human use.
– Hand milking with care and hygiene. Donkeys don’t have a large milk reservoir like cows. They produce small amounts of milk, about 1 to 1.5 liters per day, which is split between the foal and milking. To collect milk, farmers hand-milk the Jenny every three hours during the day while the foal is nearby to keep the mother calm and stress-free.
– Limited milk yield. Because of the small amount of milk produced and the need to prioritize the foal, the average milk collected per Jenny is only about 500 ml per day.
Feeding and Caring for Donkeys
To produce high-quality milk, donkeys are fed a natural diet consisting mainly of grass and high-quality lucerne (alfalfa) bales, supplemented with lucerne pellets during milking times. Their welfare is a top priority, with a focus on love and respect for these gentle animals.
How Is Donkey Milk Processed?
Once collected, donkey milk is handled with care to preserve its delicate qualities:
– Raw milk storage: Freshly collected milk is cooled immediately and can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for 2 to 3 months but must be thawed in the refrigerator and pasteurized before use.
– Pasteurization: Like all animal milk, donkey milk is pasteurized to ensure safety. This involves heating it to about 72 °C for 15 seconds or higher temperatures depending on the method used.
– Freeze-drying: To preserve donkey milk’s nutrients and bioactive properties, it can be freeze-dried into a powder form. This process removes water by sublimation at low temperatures, retaining flavor, color, and nutritional value without the need for chemical preservatives. Freeze-dried donkey milk has a shelf life of up to two years and is easy to rehydrate.
Why Is Donkey Milk So Rare?
Donkey milk production is naturally limited due to:
– The small volume of milk produced by each Jenny.
– The necessity of keeping the foal with the mother to stimulate milk flow.
– The labor-intensive hand-milking process every three hours.
– The focus on animal welfare, meaning donkeys are not over-milked or separated from their babies prematurely.
Because of these factors, donkey milk farming cannot be intensive, making the milk a rare and premium product.
How Can You Buy Donkey Milk?
Donkey milk is available in various forms including raw, pasteurized, and freeze-dried. Some farms offer it in small glass jars, often frozen to maintain freshness. Since it is a delicate product, it’s usually sold in limited quantities and requires careful storage:
– Keep frozen until use.
– Once defrosted, refrigerate and consume within 3 days.
– Shake well before use as the milk may separate.
Many donkey milk producers emphasize cruelty-free practices and ensure foals are never taken away from their mothers before weaning.
Uses of Donkey Milk
Donkey milk has been used historically for:
– Infant nutrition: Due to its similarity to human milk.
– Cosmetics: Its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties make it popular in skincare products.
– Medicinal purposes: Ancient physicians like Hippocrates used it to treat arthritis, coughs, and wounds.
Today, people consume donkey milk for its nutritional benefits, including being rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds.
Donkey milk is a unique, rare product obtained through a careful, humane process that respects the needs of the animals. Its gentle nature and health benefits make it a special choice for those seeking alternatives to traditional dairy.