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Why does a donkey even produce milk – and for whom? The answer is simple: The milk is primarily for her foal. A donkey only produces milk when she has a foal, and the foal always drinks first. Only a portion is milked. In this post, we explain how pregnancy, birth, and the foal's first months of life are connected to the production of donkey milk.
No foal, no milk
Many people imagine milk production like that of cows on large farms. With donkeys, it is fundamentally different. A donkey only produces milk if she has given birth to a foal. Milk production is naturally intended for the young animal.
This also means: Every bottle of donkey milk is directly connected to a foal. Without offspring in the herd, there is no milk. This is one of the main reasons why donkey milk is so rare.
Pregnancy and birth
Donkeys carry their foal for about twelve months, sometimes a little longer. This is significantly longer than with many other farm animals. Usually, a single foal is born. Twins are rare in donkeys.
Shortly after birth, the foal stands up and seeks out the udder. In the first few days, the donkey produces so-called colostrum, also known as first milk. This first milk belongs entirely to the foal. During this time, no milk is taken.
The first weeks of life: Mother and foal belong together
In the first few weeks, the foal and mother are inseparable. The foal drinks frequently and in small amounts. During this time, it gets to know the herd and begins to nibble on hay and grass.
Milking usually only begins once the foal has developed well and drinks regularly. Even then, it stays with its mother. On many farms, the foal and mothers are kept within sight and earshot but separated before milking for a while, so that some milk can collect. After that, they are together again.
Why only a portion is milked
The foal needs the milk for its development. Therefore, only a portion is removed by hand or in small quantities. This is about 1–2 liters per donkey per day in addition to what her foal drinks. The amount varies from animal to animal and changes throughout lactation.
How much milk a donkey produces exactly and why the amount is so small compared to a cow is explained in detail in our post How much milk does a donkey produce?.
As the foal grows up
With every passing month, the foal eats more hay and grass. The milk gradually becomes less important. Eventually, the foal is weaned, meaning it is taken off its mother's milk. From this point on, the donkey's milk production also decreases and eventually stops.
Many foals stay in the herd after that. Young mares can later become mothers themselves. Thus, the circle is completed, and it becomes clear why the number of milking donkeys grows so slowly.
What this means for you
Because the milk primarily belongs to the foal, donkey milk is always only available in small quantities. You can build up a supply by keeping it frozen at −18 °C. Thaw the milk slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C. If you want to stay flexible, opt for freeze-dried donkey milk powder: 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield approximately 100 ml.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a donkey pregnant?
About twelve months, sometimes a little longer. Usually, a single foal is born.
Is the first milk after birth milked?
No. The first milk, colostrum, belongs entirely to the foal.
Does the foal get enough milk?
The foal stays with its mother and drinks first. Only a portion of the milk is milked.
Why is donkey milk so rare?
Because donkeys only produce milk when they have foals, are pregnant for a long time, and only give up about 1–2 liters per day in addition to the milk for the foal.
