Donkey milk research · Study 210

Donkey milk and human milk: much alike, with one clear difference

This review summarises research on the composition of donkey milk and compares it with human milk: according to the authors, total protein, amino acid profile, low casein, high lactose, the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, sodium, potassium and vitamin C are similar. The main difference is the fat content.

Important: A review of compositional data. It contains no own trials in children and demonstrates no health effect. Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula; infant feeding belongs in medical hands.

At a glance · swipe or use the arrows

The key figures

Fat ↓largest difference from human milk

Protein ≈similar total protein

Amino acids ≈similar amino acid profile

Casein ↓low in both milks

Lactose ↑high in both milks

UFA:SFA ≈similar unsaturated to saturated ratio

Triglycerides ≈similar triglyceride profile

Na, K, Vit. Csimilar contents, plus cholesterol

4authors

2019year of publication

Study design

How it was studied

Review by an Italian research group. The authors summarise the main research results on donkey milk quality and compare them with human milk, which they call the “gold standard” for infant feeding. Fat, protein and amino acids, casein, lactose, fatty acids and triglycerides, cholesterol, minerals and vitamin C are considered. Assessed based on the abstract; which and how many studies were included, the selection criteria and specific values are not stated there.

Laboratory study

Study typeReviewCountryItalyYear2019JournalInt Dairy J

Results

What the study measured

According to the authors, the main difference between donkey and human milk lies in the fat content. Quantitative and qualitative supplements would therefore be needed for pre-weaned children.

The authors describe both milks as similar in total protein and amino acid profile.

Both milks are poor in casein and rich in lactose.

According to the review, the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids and the contents of cholesterol, sodium, potassium and vitamin C are also similar.

The triglyceride profile is likewise described as similar. The authors call for new, well-designed clinical studies in children and other sensitive groups.

Authors’ conclusion: Donkey milk appears to be a “promising alternative food” with regard to children; however, clinical and metabolic effects would first have to be examined in new, well-designed studies. The review compares compositions and shows neither suitability nor effect. Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula; infant feeding belongs in medical hands.

Critical appraisal

Strengths and limitations

Only the abstract assessedClear limitation

Which studies were included, how they were selected and which figures underlie the review is unknown without the full text. Funding and conflicts of interest could not be checked.

Narrative reviewNote

The paper is set up as an overview of the main results. A systematic literature search is not described in the abstract.

Similar is not equivalentClear limitation

The fat content alone differs markedly; the authors themselves consider supplements necessary. Similarities in individual components say nothing about suitability as infant food.

Clinical data lackingNote

The authors themselves stress that well-designed clinical studies in children are still outstanding.

Honest naming of the gapStrength

The review clearly names fat content as a major difference and calls for further studies instead of overstating similarities.

clear limitationnotestrength

Editorial note: The review brings together compositional data and names both similarities and the clear difference in fat. Its positive statements on child nutrition are an outlook, not a result. Without the full text, the selection of literature cannot be assessed. To the research archive.

Research question for DON DONKEY’S®

How consistent are protein, lactose and fat across our donkey milk batches, and can these values be stated and documented per batch?

ReviewHuman milk comparisonComposition

Original publication

Donkey and human milk: Insights into their compositional similarities

Original title: Donkey and human milk: Insights into their compositional similarities

Altomonte I., Salari F., Licitra R., Martini M.
International Dairy Journal · 2019 · 89, 111–118

Research group in Italy; institution not stated in the available material

DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2018.09.005

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

End of the study summary

Note on our products

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.

Transparency: The study examined milk from another herd – not the milk from our partner farms.

€24,90

100 ml bottle / 100ml · Unit price: €249,00 / 1 l · incl. VAT, plus shipping

View all sizes & purchase options →

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.

Transparency: The study did not examine our donkey milk powder.