How is donkey milk different from cow’s milk and other types of milk?
Donkey milk is much lower in fat and protein than cow milk and higher in lactose. One study of Jiangyue donkeys averaged 1.16 percent fat, 1.57 percent protein and 6.33 percent lactose, against roughly 3.7 to 4.3 percent fat, 2.7 to 3.8 percent protein and 4.6 to 5.3 percent lactose in the cattle milk of another study. It is a thin, low-fat milk.
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In this article
How does donkey milk compare with cow milk?
Donkey milk is a thin, low-fat milk. The figures below come from two different published studies, a Chinese study of the Jiangyue donkey breed (Guo et al., 2007) and a Bangladeshi study of cattle (2014), so treat the comparison as approximate. Values vary with breed, feed and stage of lactation.
| Per 100 g | Donkey (average) | Cattle milk |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 1.16 g | about 3.7 to 4.3 g |
| Protein | 1.57 g | about 2.7 to 3.8 g |
| Lactose | 6.33 g | about 4.6 to 5.3 g |
| Total solids | 9.53 g | not compared |
So donkey milk had about a third of the fat, less than half the protein, and more lactose. That means it is not lower in lactose, so it does not suit people with lactose intolerance. The donkey study also noted wide variation in fat across lactation.
What is different about its proteins?
The donkey study reports a casein to whey ratio of 52:37, which falls between the lower ratio in human milk and the higher ratio in cow milk, and essential amino acids making up 38.2 percent of its protein. The authors concluded that donkey milk is more similar to mare and human milk than to the milk of other mammals.
What does it taste like?
Descriptions are subjective. With little fat and a lot of lactose, you would expect a thin milk that is not creamy. We did not find a source on its taste or on cheese-making behavior, so we do not claim any.
Is donkey milk healthier or good for allergies?
The studies we opened measured composition only. They do not prove health benefits, and a child with cow milk allergy should only try a new milk with medical advice. Skin and anti-aging claims are marketing unless a source says otherwise.
Where do you find it?
Donkey milk is a specialty product rather than a supermarket staple, and availability, price and form (fresh, frozen or powdered) vary by seller. Check that it is pasteurized or properly treated, and read the label.
People also ask
Is donkey milk lower in fat than cow milk?
Yes. One study averaged 1.16 percent fat, against roughly 3.7 to 4.3 percent in cattle milk in another study.
Does donkey milk have lactose?
Yes, and more than cow milk, about 6.3 percent in the donkey study, so it is not lactose free.
Is donkey milk good for people with cow milk allergy?
That was not tested in the studies we read. Ask a doctor before trying it.
Sources
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