Donkey Milk Composition and Nutritional Applications

Donkey milk is characterised by a macronutrient profile that closely resembles human milk, featuring low levels of fat (typically 0.2–1.7 %), moderate lactose content (around 6 %), and a protein concentration of approximately 1.3–1.8 %. The protein fraction is dominated by whey proteins, notably β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin, with a relatively low casein content that confers low allergenicity. Its lipid profile is enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly α-linolenic acid, and maintains a favourable n-6:n-3 ratio, whereas short- and medium-chain fatty acids contribute to easy digestibility. Donkey milk also contains bioactive proteins such as lysozyme, lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase, which support antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions. Mineral elements, including potassium, calcium and phosphorus, are present in balanced proportions, further enhancing its suitability for vulnerable populations. Nutritionally and functionally, donkey milk has been explored as an alternative for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy, for elderly and convalescent individuals, and as a base for novel functional dairy formulations. Emerging evidence highlights its potential to modulate gut microbiota, improve redox status, influence glucose and lipid metabolism via mitochondrial pathways and deliver bioactive peptides with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The combination of hypoallergenic properties, bioactive constituents and favourable fatty acid composition underpins ongoing efforts to integrate donkey milk into therapeutic nutrition, infant formula development and specialised dietary products on a global scale.

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Donkey Milk Composition and Nutritional Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in donkey milk composition and nutritional applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Casein: The milk protein fraction that coagulates under acid or enzymatic treatment; low levels in donkey milk reduce allergenicity.

Whey proteins: Soluble milk proteins including β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin, which carry bioactive and immunomodulatory properties.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA): Fatty acids with more than one double bond, such as α-linolenic acid, associated with cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Colostrum: The initial mammary secretion rich in antibodies, growth factors and metabolites, distinct from mature milk in composition and function.

Metabolomics: The comprehensive analysis of small-molecule metabolites in biological samples, used to map biochemical changes across physiological states.

References

1. Towards the expansion of the functional dairy market: Determining donkey milk value propositions and identifying possible consumers. Future Foods (2024).
2. Comparative metabolomics analysis of Halari donkey colostrum and mature milk throughout lactation stages using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. LWT (2023).
3. Human Milk and Donkey Milk, Compared to Cow Milk, Reduce Inflammatory Mediators and Modulate Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Acting on Mitochondrial Function and Oleylethanolamide Levels in Rat Skeletal Muscle. Frontiers in Physiology (2018).
4. Current Knowledge on Functionality and Potential Therapeutic Uses of Donkey Milk. Animals (2021).