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Milk is not all the same. Cow, goat, sheep, mare, and donkey milk differ significantly in fat, protein, and lactose content. Broadly speaking, two groups can be formed: the milk of ruminants such as cows, goats, and sheep is richer in fat and protein, while horse and donkey milk is low in fat, thin, and contains more lactose. In this article, we compare the main types of milk and show what the differences mean for taste and use.
Milk types compared directly
The following table shows approximate values per 100 ml. All information is approximate, as the composition varies depending on breed, feed, season, and stage of lactation.
| Milk type | Energy | Fat | Protein | Lactose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donkey milk | approx. 35–45 kcal | approx. 0.3–1.8 g | approx. 1.5–1.9 g | approx. 6–7 g |
| Mare milk | approx. 45–50 kcal | approx. 1–2 g | approx. 2 g | approx. 6–7 g |
| Cow milk (whole milk) | approx. 64–66 kcal | approx. 3.5 g | approx. 3.4 g | approx. 4.7 g |
| Goat milk | approx. 65–70 kcal | approx. 3.5–4 g | approx. 3.2–3.6 g | approx. 4.2–4.5 g |
| Sheep milk | approx. 95–110 kcal | approx. 6–7 g | approx. 5.5–6 g | approx. 4.5–5 g |
For any specific product, the information on the label always applies. As you can see, donkey milk is at the lower end for fat and protein, but at the higher end for lactose.
Fat: from very lean to creamy
Fat content is the most striking difference. Sheep milk, with about 6 to 7 g of fat per 100 ml, is particularly creamy and is well suited for cheese and yogurt. Cow and goat milk are in the middle. Donkey and mare milk, on the other hand, are very low in fat. Donkey milk usually contains less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml and is correspondingly thin.
Fat content also determines how many calories a milk has. Therefore, donkey milk, with about 35 to 45 kcal per 100 ml, provides significantly less energy than whole milk.
Protein: quantity and composition
There are also major differences in protein. Sheep milk contains the most, while donkey and mare milk contain the least. In addition, the composition differs. Milk protein consists broadly of casein and whey proteins:
- Cow, goat, sheep: Casein is clearly predominant. This is one of the reasons why these types of milk are so well suited for making cheese.
- Donkey and horse: The proportion of whey proteins is comparatively high. This is why a lot of milk is needed for cheese making – about 25 liters for 1 kg of donkey cheese.
Important: All the types of milk mentioned here contain milk protein. If you have a milk protein allergy, please consult a doctor before consuming any type of milk.
Lactose: donkey milk is at the top
It is the other way around with lactose. Donkey and mare milk contain about 6 to 7 g per 100 ml, which is more lactose than cow milk with around 4.7 g. Goat and sheep milk are similar to cow milk. Donkey milk is therefore not a low-lactose alternative. If you have lactose intolerance, please consult a doctor before consuming it.
You can read more about this in the article Which milk contains how much lactose?.
What the differences mean for taste and cooking
- Donkey milk: mild, slightly sweet, thin. Good plain, in coffee, in muesli, or in a smoothie.
- Mare milk: similarly sweet and thin as donkey milk.
- Cow milk: the usual all-rounder for cooking, baking, and drinking.
- Goat milk: slightly stronger, often with a slightly tart note.
- Sheep milk: creamy and full-bodied, popular for cheese and yogurt.
You can find a detailed comparison between donkey and cow milk in the article Donkey milk or cow milk: the differences.
Why donkey milk is rarer than other types
Another difference lies in the quantity. A dairy cow produces many liters a day. A donkey gives only about 1 to 2 liters in addition to what her foal drinks. It is milked by hand or in small quantities. This is why donkey milk is significantly rarer and more expensive than cow, goat, or sheep milk.
So that the milk is still available all year round, it is stored and delivered frozen at −18 °C. To thaw it, place it slowly in the refrigerator (2–7 °C). Alternatively, there is freeze-dried donkey milk powder: About 10 g of powder plus 90 ml of water yields around 100 ml. Please follow the instructions on the label when preparing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which milk has the least fat?
Among the common types, donkey and mare milk. Donkey milk usually contains less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml.
Which milk contains the most lactose?
Donkey and mare milk with about 6 to 7 g per 100 ml. Cow milk is around 4.7 g.
Which milk is most similar to donkey milk?
Mare milk. Both are low in fat, thin, and contain a lot of lactose.
Why do the nutritional values vary?
Because milk is a natural product. Breed, feed, season, and stage of lactation influence the composition. The information on the label is decisive.
