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Italian journal of food safety2016; 5(3); 5951; doi: 10.4081/ijfs.2016.5951

Amiata Donkey Milk Chain: Animal Health Evaluation and Milk Quality.

Abstract: This study presents an investigation of Amiata donkey health and quality of milk for human consumption. Thirty-one lactating dairy jennies were examined. The following samples were collected: faecal samples from the rectum of animals for parasitological examination; cervical swabs for the detection of bacteria causing reproductive disorders; and blood samples for serological diagnosis of main zoonotic (Brucella spp., Leptospira spp.) and donkey abortion agents (Brucella spp., Leptospira spp., Salmonella abortus equi, Equine viral arterithis virus, Equine herpesvirus type 1). In addition, individual milk samples were collected and analysed for mastitis-causing pathogens and milk quality. Regarding animal health, we detected a high prevalence of strongyle parasites in donkeys. It is very important to tackle parasitic diseases correctly. Selective control programmes are preferable in order to reduce anthelmintic drug use. For dairy donkeys, withdrawal periods from anthelmintic drugs need to be carefully managed, in accordance with EU and national regulations. The isolation of Staphylococcus aureus in milk highlights the importance of preventing contamination during milking, by adopting appropriate hygiene and safety practices at a farm level. Lysozyme activity was high compared to cow's milk, contributing to the inhibitory activity against certain bacteria. Donkey milk was characterised by high lactose content, low caseins, low fat, higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids compared to ruminant milks. Unsaturated fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids in particular have become known for their beneficial health effect, which is favourable for human diet. These characteristics make it suitable for infants and children affected by food intolerance/allergies to bovine milk proteins and multiple food allergies as well as for adults with dyslipidemias. It is also recommended to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
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Publication Date: 2016-08-03 PubMed ID: 27853717PubMed Central: PMC5090121DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2016.5951Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research article presents a detailed investigation into the health of Amiata donkeys and the quality of their milk for human consumption. The study found that despite the high prevalence of parasites in donkeys, their milk has a high nutritional value, making it suitable for infants, children, and adults with various health conditions.

Overview of the Study

  • Researchers conducted a study on 31 lactating dairy donkeys (jennies).
  • Multiple samples such as faecal, cervical, and blood samples were collected from the donkeys for various examinations.
  • Additionally, milk samples from each donkey were evaluated to identify any mastitis-causing pathogens and measure milk quality.

Health of Amiata Donkeys

  • The study detected a high prevalence of strongyle parasites in the donkeys.
  • This emphasizes the need for proper control and treatment of parasitic diseases in these animals, preferably through selective control programmes.
  • In order to reduce the use of anthelmintic drugs (used to treat parasitic worm infections), withdrawal periods from these medications need to be skillfully managed according to EU and national regulations.

Milk Quality

  • The research identified the presence of Corynebacterium bovis in the donkey’s milk.
  • The presence of this bacterium underlines the importance of maintaining high levels of hygiene and safety during the milking process to prevent contamination.
  • Despite this, the milk exhibited high lysozyme activity, which inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, offering it a natural form of protection against microbial contamination.

Nutritional Value of Donkey’s Milk

  • Donkey milk has high lactose content, low caseins, and low fat. It also contains high levels of unsaturated and Omega-3 fatty acids compared to ruminant milk.
  • This milk’s health benefits and nutritional profile make it a suitable dietary option for infants and children suffering from food intolerance or allergies to proteins in bovine milk, as well as individuals with multiple food allergies.
  • Its high content of unsaturated and Omega-3 fatty acids also makes it beneficial for adults with dyslipidemia and for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Cite This Article

APA
Ragona G, Corrias F, Benedetti M, Paladini M, Salari F, Altomonte L, Martini M. (2016). Amiata Donkey Milk Chain: Animal Health Evaluation and Milk Quality. Ital J Food Saf, 5(3), 5951. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2016.5951

Publication

Italian journal of food safety
ISSN: 2239-7132
NlmUniqueID: 101684120
Country: Italy
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 3
Pages: 5951

Researcher Affiliations

Ragona, Giuseppe
  • Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Lazio and Tuscany , Scandicci (FI), Italy.
Corrias, Franco
  • Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Lazio and Tuscany , Scandicci (FI), Italy.
Benedetti, Martina
  • Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Lazio and Tuscany , Scandicci (FI), Italy.
Paladini, Maria
  • Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Lazio and Tuscany , Scandicci (FI), Italy.
Salari, Federica
  • Interdepartmental Centre of Agro-Environmental Research Enrico Avanzi, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy.
Altomonte, Lolanda
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy.
Martini, Mina
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutraceuticals and Food for Health, Pisa, Italy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

the authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

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