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Research on donkey milk · Study 39
Donkey milk as an accompaniment in hospital
In a 2026 pilot study, Kolarov et al. observed how laboratory values and length of hospital stay developed in adults with pneumonia who drank pasteurised donkey milk in addition to antibiotic therapy.
What it's about
A first observation in humans
Most studies on donkey milk come from the laboratory or from animal experiments. This work from Novi Sad in Serbia is one of the few in which people drank donkey milk – alongside standard hospital treatment.
60 adults with community-acquired pneumonia received the usual antibiotic therapy. 30 of them also drank 250 ml of pasteurised donkey milk twice a day for a month; the other 30 did not.
The milk came from Balkan donkeys from the Zasavica nature reserve – the same herd that Ljubiša Šarić's team had already examined in earlier studies.
What exactly was studied?
Briefly explained
The terms used in this study
A small preliminary study that tests whether a larger investigation is worthwhile. It provides indications, not proof.
C-reactive protein – a protein in the blood that rises during inflammation.
Procalcitonin – rises mainly in bacterial infections and is used to monitor progress.
Random group allocation. It was missing here: whether someone drank donkey milk was decided by their own consent.
Adults with pneumonia were admitted to hospital.
All received the usual antibiotic and supportive therapy.
30 participants also drank 2 × 250 ml of donkey milk a day for a month.
Laboratory values, X-rays and length of stay were recorded up to the check-up after 20 days.
Interactive · The data at a glance
Two groups, one hospital
How was the pilot study set up, how did the laboratory values develop, how long did the participants stay – and how well was the milk tolerated? Switch between the views.
standard therapy + donkey milk
standard therapy only
Mean values from the original publication. The groups were not randomly allocated; differences may also have other causes.
Key findings
What the researchers report
Lower inflammation values
PCT day 3: 0.37 vs. 1.81 ng/mlCRP was lower in the donkey milk group on day 3, day 7, at discharge and at the check-up; PCT significantly on day 3. Leukocytes and fibrinogen did not differ significantly.
Difference in regression
p < 0,001The regression of changes in the X-ray image differed significantly between the groups. It was assessed by a single, unblinded person.
On average 12.5 instead of 14.2 days
wide confidence intervalThe donkey milk group stayed in hospital for a shorter time on average. A statistical model points in the same direction but is very uncertain because of the small groups.
The authors explicitly describe their results as hypothesis-generating and call for larger, randomised studies. They declare no conflicts of interest; the work was funded by science authorities of the province of Vojvodina and Serbia.
Critical assessment
An indication, not proof
What the study shows
What it does not show
Research question for DON DONKEY’S®
What does pasteurisation change?
The authors themselves point out that they did not measure the components before and after pasteurisation. For us, this is a prompt to compare our frozen raw milk and our powder more closely.
Original publication
Exploring the Potential of Donkey Milk in Enhancing Pneumonia Treatment Outcomes – Pilot Study
Kolarov V., Trudić A., Bogdan M., Javorac J., Čabarkapa I., Tomanić D., Šarić L.
Antibiotics · 2026 · 15(2):121
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics15020121
Full text: MDPI Antibiotics
The publication describes a small clinical pilot study. It does not allow any product-related statement for DON DONKEY’S®.
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 – including respiratory diseases – and do not replace medical advice or treatment.
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