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Research on donkey milk · Study 62
The fats of donkey milk: how their profile changes over 180 days
A team from Liaocheng University examined the milk of six Dezhou jennies from the first to the 180th day of lactation – with a method that captures hundreds of individual fat molecules at once.
Interactive · Days of lactation
Seven sampling points, half a year
What the fat consists of
1,552 molecules, five families
Colostrum versus mature milk
964 molecules differed
A molecule counted as “different” if it changed by at least a factor of 2 and was statistically conspicuous. Colostrum, the first milk after birth, was richer in phospholipids and sphingolipids as well as carnitine. Measurements are taken in two ionisation modes (+ and −), which capture different groups of molecules.
Individual fatty acids and accompanying substances
Four patterns over the course of lactation
Capric and lauric acid
Medium-chain saturated fatty acids – rising at first, later falling again.
Ascorbyl palmitate
A compound of vitamin C and palmitic acid – highest in late lactation.
Carnitine
A substance from fat metabolism – highest in the first milk after birth.
Alpha-linolenic acid
An omega-3 fatty acid – higher in mature milk than in colostrum.
Patterns shown schematically according to the description in the text – not measured values.
Key findings
14 molecules as lactation markers
The authors identified 14 lipids whose amounts were typical of early, mid or late lactation. Such markers could in future help to estimate the lactation stage of a milk sample – this has not yet been confirmed in larger herds. Overall the study shows that the lactation stage clearly shapes the fat profile of donkey milk.
Critical assessment
Strengths and limitations weighed up
What the study delivers
- Seven measurement points over 180 days
- Very broad coverage: 1,552 lipids
- Raw data publicly deposited (MetaboLights)
Where it reaches its limits
- Only six animals, one farm, one feed
- Relative amounts, not absolute concentrations
- Some assignments seem unusual, such as persin (known from avocado) and tuliposide A (from tulips) – database matches are uncertain
Editorial assessment: The authors see applications in infant nutrition, clinical settings and cosmetics. This was not examined, so we do not adopt it. Same research group as Study 61.
Research question for DON DONKEY’S®
What role does the day of lactation play for our milk?
After protein, minerals and fatty acids, the lipid profile now also shows that donkey milk is not a constant product. For us, this means taking the lactation stage into account for samples.
Original publication
Lipid profile analysis of donkey milk during the lactation
Original title of the publication.
Du X., Ma Z., Wang C., Zhou M.
Frontiers in Nutrition · 2025 · volume 12, article 1662407 · open access
Liaocheng University, China
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1662407
Transparency: funded by China's National Key R&D Programme, the Shandong Natural Science Foundation and Liaocheng University. According to the publication, no conflicts of interest. No product-related statement for DON DONKEY’S®.
Summarised and reviewed by the DON DONKEY’S editorial team on the basis of the original publication · as of October 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