Donkey milk properties

5/5 - (1 votes)

DONKEY MILK PROPERTIES AND USEFUL ADVICE

Donkey milk is the closest food to breast milk, that's why it is feels more suitable in the nutrition of younger children.

Properties of donkey milk
Donkey milk formulations
Donkey milk for premature babies
Donkey milk for children allergic to cow's milk proteins
Contraindications to donkey milk
Cost of donkey milk
Conclusion

Properties of donkey milk

Its composition is very similar to the breast milk, it's a lot digestible and provides good energy supply.

Even older children can take it.

Compared to cow's milk, donkey milk contains less fat, for this it is more digestible.

It is rich in vitamins A and D, lysozyme e lactoferrin.

-Lysozyme

An enzyme, endowed with bactericidal activity, present, as well as in donkey milk, in numerous animal and human secretions such as tears.

It is also found in good concentration in egg white.

In its action it binds to the wall of some bacteria (Gram +), reduces the negative electrical charge, making it easier for the antibodies of the immune system to phagocytosis.

-Lactoferrin

A multifunctional globular protein with antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, bactericidal and fungicidal activity. Very abundant in human colostrum, it is present in milk but also in tears and saliva. Protects newborns from gastrointestinal infections.

Donkey milk therefore has properties probiotics, through lysozyme and lactoferrin strengthens the immune system of newborns and more generally of children.

His ssweet smell makes it pleasant for newborns.

This is due to the percentage of lactose which favors the absorption of calcium, which is very important for the bones.

-Its casein content

Proteins which most often provoke allergies or intolerances, on the other hand, it is lower than cow's milk (40% compared to 80%).

For this reason donkey milk is better tolerated by the young.

-Consider its properties

Donkey milk can be safely taken not only by infants but also by older children, teenagers and adults.

It is used for cosmetic products and is very suitable even in the elderly because it helps prevent and fight osteoporosis.

Donkey milk, formulations

There are several formulations: fresh, pasteurized and freeze-dried.

Donkey milk for premature babies

Breast milk is the best food for premature babies, however, due to the deficiencies they often suffer from, it needs to be supplemented with fortifying, generally cow's milk proteins, which are not always tolerated by premature babies.

In this case the donkey's milk, for his excellent tolerance and digestibility, can be a valid substitute.

Recent studies have shown that by fortifying breast milk with donkey milk, the episodes of intolerance, vomiting and biliary stagnation are decidedly lower.

Donkey milk for children allergic to cow's milk proteins

For allergic children to cow's milk proteins, sheep's or goat's milk are often tried, but they are not good because the allergens are the same in these milks too.

The focus was therefore on donkey milk.

Recent studies have shown the better digestibility of milk of donkey in children allergic to cow's milk proteins.

Contraindications to donkey milk

Il donkey milk is contraindicated for those who have posters

Lactose intolerance or allergy;

You suffer from diabetes (tends to raise blood sugar).

If in doubt, it is advisable to ask your pediatrician or family doctor.

Donkey milk and mother's milk

Below is the comparative table:

Nutritional values compared to Human Milk

As can be seen from the table, in contrast to cow's milk, the protein and lactose content are in donkey milk similar to breast milk.

However, the donkey milk has less fat and a caloric content lower than mother's milk.

Fats are essential for the development of the child, milks and derivatives, even partially skimmed, are not recommended in the children's diet.

In reverse, due to its digestibility and its nutritional, antibacterial, reinforcing characteristics, many pediatricians recommend donkey milk to children in general and to infants in particular, however taking care to integrate it with fatty acids (medium-chain triglycerides).

Cost of donkey milk

A donkey has only 2 nipples instead of 4 of a cow and produces 2 Lt of milk per day maximum against 20 Lt per day of a cow.

The donkey can producing milk for only 6 months after the puppy is born and only if he is nearby.

While cows, after giving birth, can producing milk continuously, are real machines for the production of milk.

The obstacles due to production, which are difficult to overcome with investments, e the scarcity of donkeys available, are difficulties that limit the spread of donkey milk.

For the same reasons it is not surprising its price, which hovers around at € 15 per liter.

We can say that donkey milk is a niche milk, which should not be seen as a substitute for cow's milk but rather as a valid alternative for children suffering from allergies.

Conclusion

Donkey milk is very similar to breast milk but also some differences.

It should not be considered as a "natural" substitute for formulated milk, but as an aid available to parents with non-breastfed children suffering from severe cases of allergy to cow's milk proteins and as a milk supplement and breast milk reinforcer.

It is recommended to give it to children and in particular to babies, taking care to integrate it appropriately with the fats necessary for growth and under the supervision of a doctor.