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Donkey milk research · Study 157
Fat, casein and whey compared in the lab: oxidative stability of four types of milk
In a lab comparison of 4 types of milk, isolated fat from cow and donkey milk showed the highest stability against oxidation according to the authors. Donkey milk whey showed the highest antioxidant activity in the test; after simulated intestinal digestion, the activity of whey and casein increased.
At a glance · swipe or use the arrows
The key figures
Study design
How it was studied
Laboratory study by a research group from Croatia comparing cow, goat, sheep and donkey milk. Fat was isolated from the milk samples and tested for stability against oxidation; casein and whey were examined for antioxidant activity, each before and after simulated digestion in the test tube. Donkey milk whey was also compared with the synthetic antioxidants BHA and BHT. This summary is based on the abstract; the full text was not available to the editorial team. Sample numbers, origin of the milk, test methods and figures are therefore not known.
Results
What the study measured
According to the authors, isolated fat from cow and donkey milk showed the highest oxidative stability of the four types of milk.
Among the wheys of the four types of milk, donkey milk whey showed the highest antioxidant activity in the test.
After simulated intestinal digestion in the test tube, the antioxidant activity of whey and casein increased.
According to the authors, the radical scavenging activity of donkey whey was comparable with that of the synthetic antioxidants BHA and BHT. The abstract gives no concentrations or measured values.
Authors’ conclusion: Fat from cow and donkey milk is particularly stable to oxidation, and donkey whey shows antioxidant activity comparable with BHA and BHT. This describes results of chemical tests in the lab; it does not show an antioxidant effect in the body or a health benefit.
Critical appraisal
Strengths and limitations
Chemical test, not the bodyClear limitation
Antioxidant activity was determined in the test tube. How this translates to processes in the body is not examined.
Only the abstract assessedClear limitation
Without the full text, sample numbers, origin of the milk, test methods and figures are unknown. Funding and conflicts of interest could not be checked.
Isolated fat, not the foodNote
The stability of separated fat was tested. How milk or dairy products behave during storage is not answered by this.
Comparison with BHA and BHTNote
Comparable activity in a radical scavenging test does not mean donkey whey can replace these additives in food.
Four types of milk side by sideStrength
Fat, casein and whey from four species were compared in the same study, with whey and casein additionally tested after simulated digestion.
Editorial note: The paper provides a lab comparison of the oxidative stability and antioxidant activity of milk components. For questions on storing donkey milk, the finding on fat is the most relevant; no statements on health effects can be derived. As only the abstract was available, magnitudes remain open. To the research archive.
Research question for DON DONKEY’S®
How do oxidation markers in the fat of our frozen donkey milk and our donkey milk powder change over storage time, measured in batches after 1, 6 and 12 months?
Original publication
Oxidative stability and antioxidant activity of bovine, caprine, ovine and asinine milk
Original title: Oxidative stability and antioxidant activity of bovine, caprine, ovine and asinine milk
Bučević-Popović V., Delaš I., Međugorac S., Pavela-Vrančić M., Kulišić-Bilušić T.
International Journal of Dairy Technology · 2014 · 67(3), 394–401
Research group from Croatia, including the University of Split (according to author profiles; institutions not stated in the abstract data)
Transparency: funding and conflicts of interest could not be checked from the abstract. No product-related statement for DON DONKEY’S®.
Summarised and checked by the DON DONKEY’S editorial team against the original publication · As of: November 2026
The study summarised above was carried out independently of DON DONKEY’S® and does not relate to our products. It serves solely to inform about the state of research.
DON DONKEY’S® donkey milk and donkey milk powder are foods. They are not intended to prevent, treat or cure any disease and do not replace medical advice.
From our shop
DON DONKEY’S® donkey milk
100 % donkey milk · raw milk, frozen
On this page we report the findings of a published study. Independently of that, you will find our donkey milk here: 100 % donkey milk, frozen as raw milk.
100 ml bottle / 100ml · Unit price: €249,00 / 1 l · incl. VAT, plus shipping
Also in our shop
Donkey Milk Powder
Donkey milk in powder form
For anyone who prefers a longer shelf life: our donkey milk in powder form – easy to store and portion.
20g · Unit price: €1.245,00 / 1 kg · incl. VAT, plus shipping