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Donkey milk has fascinated researchers and cultural historians for thousands of years. One component that is particularly in focus is the enzyme lysozyme. In this post, we show you what science knows about this natural component — and why donkey milk was considered a special natural product even in antiquity.
Lysozyme: A naturally occurring enzyme
Donkey milk naturally contains various enzymes. One of them is lysozyme — an enzyme that was first scientifically described in 1922. Lysozyme occurs in many natural sources: for example, in egg whites, in other types of milk, and also in donkey milk. In addition to lysozyme, donkey milk also naturally contains lactoferrin.
The relatively high proportion of lysozyme in donkey milk is interesting. Scientific analyses regularly document the special composition of this rare milk — a reason why donkey milk repeatedly attracts attention in research. You can find an overview of all nutritional values in our post Ingredients and nutritional values of donkey milk.
A milk with a long history
The appreciation for donkey milk goes back a long way:
- Antiquity: According to tradition, Hippocrates already mentioned donkey milk in his writings over 2,400 years ago.
- Egypt: According to legend, Queen Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk.
- Roman Empire: Poppaea Sabina, the wife of Emperor Nero, was reportedly accompanied by a herd of donkeys.
- 19th century: In European cities, donkey owners walked through the streets with their animals and sold freshly milked milk at the door.
This long history explains why donkey milk is attracting a lot of attention again today.
What makes donkey milk special?
Donkey milk differs significantly from other animal milks in its natural composition. It is:
- Naturally low in fat (typically under 1% fat)
- Rich in lactose (about 6–7 g per 100 ml, which gives it its mild-sweet taste)
- Naturally contains various vitamins and minerals
- Lower in protein than cow's milk (about 1.5–1.9 g per 100 ml)
These special characteristics make donkey milk a rare and special food — that is exactly why we at DON DONKEY'S® rely on carefully selected partner farms.
Donkey milk in modern natural cosmetics
Donkey milk has been used in cosmetics since antiquity — from the legend of Cleopatra's milk baths to modern natural cosmetic products. Today, donkey milk can be found in various personal care products, often in combination with other natural ingredients.
If you would like to experience for yourself what donkey milk feels like in a natural personal care routine, discover our Cosmetics with donkey milk. We work with small partner farms in Europe, where the donkeys are milked by hand.
A natural product with tradition
Donkey milk is more than just a rare milk. It is a natural product that has been appreciated for thousands of years — from antiquity to today. Anyone interested in the history, origin, and care behind this special food will find in donkey milk a fascinating combination of tradition and modern production.
With us, you get fresh donkey milk from Europe — from farms that we know personally and whose work we appreciate. Personal contact, real stories, careful selection: that is DON DONKEY'S®.
Conclusion
Donkey milk naturally contains various interesting components — including the enzyme lysozyme, which science has known since 1922. Together with its long cultural and historical tradition, this makes donkey milk a particularly exciting natural product.
Discover the world of donkey milk with us. Personal, transparent, and with love for its origins: fresh donkey milk at DON DONKEY'S®.
