Yes, donkeys, specifically female donkeys called jennies, are milked.
Donkey farming is becoming more popular across the globe, with donkey milk being a valuable product. While not as widespread as dairy farming for cows or goats, the practice of milking donkeys has historical roots and growing modern interest.
The Practice of Milking Jennies
Contrary to common misconceptions, jennies are indeed milked for their milk. The process is similar to milking other dairy animals, although the yield from a donkey is typically much lower than that of a cow.
- Farm Size: Most donkey farms dedicated to milk production tend to be relatively small, often ranging from 5 to 30 milking jennies.
- Growing Popularity: The reference indicates that donkey farming is becoming more popular, driven by the unique properties and increasing demand for donkey milk.
Why Milk Donkeys? The Unique Qualities of Donkey Milk
Donkey milk possesses several characteristics that make it sought after.
Closest Match to Human Milk
Perhaps the most significant quality of donkey milk is its composition. Compared with milk from other dairy animals like cows, goats, sheep, buffalo, and camels, donkey milk most closely resembles human breast milk. This makes it potentially easier to digest for humans and suitable for specific applications.
Historical Use
The similarity to human milk led to its historical use. In fact, it was first used in the 19th century to feed orphaned infants. This highlights its long-standing recognition as a viable and nutritious option.
In summary, milking donkeys is a real and growing practice, driven by the unique composition and historical significance of donkey milk.
