Before fully entering into the production system of this dairy, it is good to first understand what its objective is, what characteristics and qualities are obtained from this particular raw material that is produced there. To do this, we refer to the summary of a report where professionals Luis Losinno
and Melina Pietrani (**), argue about the properties of this natural functional food.
Donkey milk is an alternative for children with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA). It is one of the most common food allergies in childhood, affecting between 2% to 7% of children up to the age of 2.
“This allergy causes an abnormal immune response when consuming certain proteins (mainly caseins, of which there are many types) present in cow’s milk, which can lead to clinical symptoms such as skin rashes, gastrointestinal problems, growth disorders and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis,” they detail; Therefore, finding suitable, safe and natural alternatives is essential to guarantee the well-being and development of affected children, as well as their family environment.
This is why the work prepared by Losinno and Pietrani, summarizing the main studies available on the characteristics and qualities of donkey milk, highlights the protein and nutritional composition of this raw material.
“The DRACMA guidelines (Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow’s Milk Allergy) have recognized donkey milk as a potentially safe alternative for children with CMPA, emphasizing that it must be added with fatty materials, for example, vegetable oils such as canola. or olive (1%), to reach the content necessary for feeding children under one year of age.”
As a consequence of this evidence, they emphasize that in certain countries (especially European) there are already specific measures to indicate to children with a confirmed diagnosis of CMPA the consumption of donkey milk as the main source of nutrients, within the framework of a public policy focused on health in children under three years of age, as is the paradigmatic case of Italy.
“There are systems under private production management in agricultural and livestock stations in some provincial states (e.g. Tuscany – FILAMI1 program) that provide donkey milk directly to hospitals, under the framework of public health programs, validated by the state.”
Furthermore, the authors describe, “this milk is rich in various protective proteins (α-lactalbumin, lysozyme, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and immunoglobulins) and has strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic and antitumor activity. It is considered a functional food for children and adults. For example, in Serbia and China, it is used as a nutraceutical for older adults, while clinical trials are being carried out in public hospitals in adult populations with respiratory allergies,” they emphasize.
EQUSLAC, the Startup that was born with 5 donkeys and is now the head of a productive ecosystem
Dedicated to the production of donkey milk, Equslac is a company that today has a production base in Tío Pujio, province of Córdoba. “The project began at the National University of Río Cuarto in 2017, after returning from a trip to China two years earlier; where you can appreciate the qualities of this milk, which has an enormous antioxidant and antibacterial capacity and is much more lactose than cow’s milk; and of all milk, it is the most similar to breast milk, 98%,” explains Med. Vet (Phd) Luis Losinno, who is co-director of the company and currently owns the IMITAB-CONICET industrial plant. on the campus of the National University of Villa María to carry out the final production of this milk.
Losinno also comments that one of the main uses of donkey milk in the world is for human cosmetics, due to its specific and antioxidant properties.
The milk extraction process, with a focus on animal welfare
The veterinarian comments that the donkeys graze early in the field and then enter the milking in the morning. “It should be noted that the milking process takes just under a minute per donkey, because what can be obtained from each animal does not reach 1 liter. They enter through a corral, generally voluntarily, and then enter a pit very similar to that of the bovine model, but adapted for donkeys. It is an entire structure made from scratch for them,” highlights Losinno.
The project that began with 5 specimens, today already has a considerable number that allows it to scale and produce 300 liters per day for human consumption, mainly for those children born with CMPA (Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy).
The professional also places emphasis on the well-being of the animals, since it is an agropastoral production model, without agrochemicals, without stress (because they are milked only once a day, even though they could be milked more than once), and they let the little donkeys suck on their mothers freely in the fields the rest of the time.
The nutritional composition of donkey milk Proteins:
Donkey milk contains significantly less casein than cow’s milk, this being one of the main proteins responsible for allergic reactions. In addition, the proteins present in donkey milk, such as beta-lactoglobulin, are less allergenic. Fats:
It contains a lower amount of fat (less than 1%), but with a high content of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are beneficial for child development. Vitamins and Minerals:
Rich in vitamins A, D, E and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, essential for bone growth and development in children.
Characteristics of donkey milk Low Allergenicity:
Donkey milk contains less casein and other proteins that often cause allergic reactions in children with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). This makes it a safe alternative for most children with this condition. Easy Digestion:
Thanks to its protein composition and its similarity to human breast milk, donkey milk is easier to digest, which reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as colic and diarrhea. Complete Nutritional Profile:
Donkey milk is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins (A, D, E), minerals (calcium, magnesium), and essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), supporting the healthy growth and development of children as well as with a high lactose content similar to that of human milk and higher than that of ruminant milk. Similarity to Breast Milk:
It is the animal milk most similar to human breast milk, which makes it an excellent option to complement the infant diet, especially in children who cannot consume cow’s milk. Anti-inflammatory and Immunological Properties:
Some recent studies suggest that donkey milk may have anti-inflammatory properties and help strengthen the immune system, contributing to the child’s general well-being.
Clinical studies in humans
The report prepared by Losinno and Pietrani also points out that, over recent years, numerous clinical studies have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of donkey milk as an alternative in the diet of babies and children with CMPA, demonstrating that a A high percentage of children allergic to cow’s milk can adequately tolerate donkey milk without manifesting adverse symptoms. In addition, trials have delved into the nutritional benefits of this food, highlighting its potential to meet the dietary needs of infants without compromising their growth and development.
Relevant results
The studies analyzed by both veterinarians show that between 82% and 100% of children with CMPA were able to consume donkey milk without presenting significant allergic reactions. The protein composition of donkey milk, which differs from cow’s milk, reduces the possibility of cross-reactions.
In addition, they highlight that the nutritional composition of this milk is low in fat, rich in lactose and has a protein and mineral profile closer to human milk than to cow’s milk. Its low fat and protein content makes it suitable to be supplemented in children’s diets with vegetable oils to achieve adequate caloric levels.
It also stands out for having functional and bioactive properties, which improve the immune responses of children and older people, and which, from a pediatric point of view, contribute to proper growth and development in children.
Although the studies show positive results, the article highlights the need for individual tolerability tests and medical monitoring before incorporating donkey milk as an alternative in the diet of children with CMA.
Luis Losinno MV,PhD / National University of Rio Cuarto and Equslac(**) Melina Pietrani, MV,MSc / National University of Villa María and Equslac
