Enhancing donkey milk yield through optimized nutrition: A case study from Georgia

Donkey milk, recognized for its hypoallergenic properties and nutritional richness, offers significant potential in agriculture and healthcare. This study evaluates a formulated combined feed’s impact on milk productivity in Georgian donkeys. The feed, comprising barley (49%), corn (15%), sunflower meal (10%), wheat (10%), bran (8.8%), alfalfa (6.7%), and salt (0.5%), was tested on the "Virlandia" farm. Results showed a 60–70% increase in daily milk yield (500–700 g vs. 200–450 g in the control group). The feed demonstrated excellent palatability, supporting its viability for revitalizing Georgia’s donkey farming sector.