engleski

The possibility of production and placement of donkey’s milk in Croatia

Breeding donkeys in Croatia in recent decades has suffered significant changes. In the middle of the second half of the 20th century donkeys lost their primary functions, followed by a significant decline in the size of their population, and nowadays they are in the category of critically endangered breeds according to FAO. Models for their economic reaffirmation during last decade are trying to be found. Traditional use of donkey’s milk in treatment of respiratory and other human chronical diseases motivate breeders and consumers for production of this functional food. The aim of this study was to determine the potential for milk production in two dominant breed, Littoral-Dinaric and Istrian donkey. The study included 30 female kept on four farms, by each jennies two control milking was conducted during which the quantity of milk were measured and samples of milk that are used to determine the chemical composition were collected. The Istrian donkeys have a higher milk yield compared to Littoral-Dinaric donkey (825 vs. 492 mL / milking). Milk of Istrian donkey had lower content of milk fat than milk from Littoral-Dinaric donkey (0.42 vs. 0.54%), milk protein (1.38 vs. 1.64%) and lactose (5.73 vs. 5.92%). Favorable milk production of these breeds justifies the establishment milk production of this kind if continued placing is provided. The modest tradition of donkey milk consumption in Croatia opens the possibility for its production and market development, although certain difficulties are observed. They can be removed by informing actual and potential customers, organizing appropriate manufacture and sales networks and animating wider community. Observations in Croatia indicate that most consumers prefer consuming fresh milk or milk after thawing (room temperature) as a functional food supplement in the rehabilitation of some health disorders. A small part of the consumers have knowledge about other options of donkey milk consumption, like food products with added value (koumiss, milk powder) or preparative cosmetics (soaps, shampoos). It is possible to increase production and consumption of donkey milk in Croatia with good organization of production networks from producers (farmers) to consumers. This will ensure the survival of autochthonous breeds, maintain the originality of rural areas, and enriched agro-tourism offers.

donkey ; milk production ; market ; placement ; Croatia

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