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Is donkey milk available all year round? It is not milked constantly, but only as long as a donkey has a foal and is lactating. On many farms, this results in a milking season with active months and quieter periods. The reason you can still get donkey milk throughout the year is mainly due to deep freezing. In this post, we explain how the donkey milk season comes about and what it means for your shopping.
Why there is a season at all
A donkey only produces milk when she has a foal. Milk production begins with birth and continues over the months while the foal is nursing. After that, it decreases and eventually stops. A milking season is therefore always tied to the life cycle of a foal.
Added to this is the long gestation period of around twelve months. A donkey therefore does not have a foal at the same time every year. We describe how mother and foal live together in our post about donkey mares and foals.
When is milking done?
On many farms in Europe, foals are often born in spring and summer. Then there is a good supply of food on the pasture and the temperatures are mild. Milking follows birth after a short while: In the first few days, the milk belongs entirely to the foal; milking only starts later and only a portion is taken.
The exact periods vary from farm to farm. They depend on when the foals are born, how many donkeys are lactating at the same time, and what the climate is like in the region.
The active milking phase
During the active phase, milking is done by hand or in small quantities, often several times a day. Each donkey produces about 1–2 liters daily, in addition to the milk for the foal. The fresh milk is immediately cooled and deep frozen.
Because more milk is produced during this time than can be sold directly, deep freezing is crucial. It ensures that the milk can reach you weeks and months later in a consistent condition. The best-before date is on the label.
Quieter months
As the foals grow bigger and eat more hay and grass, the milk yield decreases. Eventually, they are weaned, and the donkeys no longer produce milk. On many farms, this phase falls during the colder months.
For the animals, this is not a break in their daily routine. They continue to be fed, cared for, and checked. Many donkeys are already pregnant again during this time. But for the milk, it means: During these months, little or no milking is done.
What the season means for your shopping
- Availability: Because the milk is stored deep frozen, donkey milk is also available outside the milking season. However, quantities are limited.
- Stock up: At home, you store the milk at −18 °C. Only thaw as much as you need in the near future, slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
- Powder as an alternative: Freeze-dried donkey milk powder does not require a freezer. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield about 100 ml.
- Plan your supply: With our Vital Program, you receive donkey milk regularly. Shipping is on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Frequently asked questions
Is donkey milk available all year round?
Milking is not done all year round. Thanks to deep freezing at −18 °C, however, donkey milk is available throughout the year as long as supplies last.
When are donkey foals born?
On many farms in Europe, often in spring and summer. The exact times vary from farm to farm.
Why is donkey milk sometimes scarce?
Because the milking season is tied to the foals and each donkey only produces small quantities. Donkey milk cannot be increased arbitrarily.
Is deep-frozen donkey milk from the season still good?
Deep frozen at −18 °C, it remains in a consistent condition. You can find the best-before date and further information on the label.
