DONKEY MILK ACROSS DIFFERENT STAGES OF LACTATION: A NUTRITIONAL ASSET FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND SOCIAL IMPACT

The social significance of donkey milk for human health stems from its potential advantages for vulnerable populations, including children and those with special dietary needs. The variation in its composition throughout lactation indicates that it can be adapted to fulfil the specific nutritional demands of these groups. The focus of this paper is to investigate the chemical profile of donkey milk and the changes that occur during lactation. The study was performed on samples taken at various stages of lactation, from colostrum to milk. The results revealed fluctuations in protein, fat, lactose and dry matter, reflecting the milk's adaptation to the changing needs of the foals. The results indicate a significant increase in lactose content from 6.24% in the second month of lactation to 6.42% in the sixth month. Regarding the protein level, it decreased from 1.88% in early lactation to 1.41% during late lactation. This study has important implications for the use of donkey milk in human nutrition, providing insight into its potential use in product development for targeted sensitive groups such as infants and people with special nutritional needs.