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How is donkey milk actually produced? In short: in small herds, only when a donkey gives birth to a foal, and by hand. A donkey gives about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to the milk for her foal. In this post, we show you how a donkey milk farm works – from the herd and the foal to milking and cooling.
The herd: Donkeys do not like to be alone
Donkeys are herd animals. They form close bonds with certain companions and need company. That is why the animals live in groups on donkey milk farms. Typical features are pastures or paddocks, dry resting areas, and a shelter where the animals can take refuge from the rain. Donkeys originally come from dry regions. Their coat is less water-repellent than that of horses, and their hooves need dry ground.
Donkeys are easy to please when it comes to food. They mainly eat hay, straw, and grass. They do not tolerate too much energy-rich food well. That is why anyone who keeps donkeys pays attention to an appropriate diet.
The foal: No foal, no milk
A donkey only produces milk when she has a foal. This is the most important difference from the idea many people have of the dairy industry. The foal stays with its mother and drinks first. Only part of the milk is milked; the rest belongs to the foal.
This also explains the small quantity. Each donkey produces about 1–2 liters of milk per day. For comparison: a dairy cow produces many times that amount. We explain in detail why this is in our post Why donkey milk is so rare.
Milking: Handwork in small quantities
Donkeys have small udders. That is why they are milked by hand and in small portions. This takes time and requires experience.
Our donkey milk comes from European farms where it is milked by hand. This is how milk is produced that is only available in small quantities.
From the farm to you: Cooling and testing
After milking, the milk is deep-frozen. When deep-frozen at −18 °C, it remains in a consistent state until delivery. At DON DONKEY'S, the donkey milk is tested in a laboratory in Germany and then deep-frozen and shipped to you. We ship on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- Milking: by hand, in small quantities.
- Deep-freezing: the milk is deep-frozen after milking.
- Laboratory testing: the milk is tested in a laboratory in Germany.
- Shipping: deep-frozen, on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- At your home: store at −18 °C and thaw slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
What the milk is made into
Part of the milk is sold as fresh, deep-frozen donkey milk. Another part is freeze-dried and processed into donkey milk powder. Donkey milk is also used to make cheese. About 25 liters of donkey milk are needed for 1 kg of donkey cheese. This figure clearly shows how valuable every liter is.
Donkey milk is also used in cosmetics, such as in creams, lotions, and shampoos.
Why donkey milk has its price
Small herds, milking by hand, small daily quantities, deep-freezing, and laboratory testing: Each of these steps takes time and money. Donkey milk cannot be increased arbitrarily. This makes it a rare and special delicacy.
What this means for you when shopping
Because donkeys only produce milk when they have a foal, and because each donkey only produces small quantities, donkey milk is not available in unlimited quantities. This means for you:
- Build up a supply: You can store donkey milk at home deep-frozen at −18 °C. The best-before date is on the label.
- Thaw in portions: Only thaw as much as you want to use in the near future. The gentlest way is slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
- Regular supply: Anyone who wants to incorporate donkey milk into their everyday life can find our Vital Program.
- Powder as an alternative: Freeze-dried donkey milk powder does not need a freezer. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield about 100 ml.
Frequently asked questions
How much milk does a donkey produce?
About 1–2 liters per day in addition to the milk for her foal. The quantity can vary from animal to animal.
Does the foal get enough milk?
The foal stays with its mother and drinks first. Only part of the milk is milked.
Why is donkey milk deep-frozen?
So that it remains in a consistent state on its long journey from the farm to you. Store it at home at −18 °C and follow the instructions on the label.
How does donkey milk taste?
Mild and slightly sweet. The sweet taste comes from the relatively high lactose content of about 6–7 g per 100 ml.
