FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Arch Razi Inst / Mare’s Milk: Composition, Properties, and Application ...
Archives of Razi Institute2021; 76(4); 1125-1135; doi: 10.22092/ari.2021.355834.1725

Mare’s Milk: Composition, Properties, and Application in Medicine.

Abstract: Mare's milk is a highly valuable organic substance that has a great potential to replace cow's milk. Consumption of cow's milk causes digestive disorders in some individuals. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies among infants. Therefore, finding a protein substitute with the same nutritional value is a priority. Mare's milk can be a good substitute for cow's milk, especially for those suffering from CMA. Prerequisites for this study were the recent interest in mare's milk, as an ancient relic of the Turkic peoples which contains lots of nutrients. The present study aimed to systematize relevant information on the composition of mare's milk and its application in medicine. Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, Elsevier, CyberLeninka were employed for a comprehensive literature search. The searched keywords for this study were mare's milk, saumal, composition, properties, use in medicine. A total of 77 sources were selected for reviewing the literature. Most sources were in English, except for one of the bottom 40 sources published in the last 10 years. Among the milk of many mammalian species, mare's milk is chemically similar to human milk so it can be used as a substitute. It is also used to feed people with various health conditions, especially in patients at risk, or suffering from tuberculosis, hepatitis C, psoriasis, and various types of immunodeficiency. The present study describes the rich composition, antibacterial and antiviral properties of mare's milk. A review of the literature revealed that mare's milk is an excellent thirst quencher, and has valuable nutrients necessary for the human body which is by no means inferior to human milk.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2021-10-31 PubMed ID: 35096348PubMed Central: PMC8790991DOI: 10.22092/ari.2021.355834.1725Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Review

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research considers the use of mare’s milk as a nutritional and potentially medicinal alternative to cow’s milk, particularly for individuals who suffer allergic reactions from cow’s milk consumption.

Introduction and Research Method

  • The study was motivated by individuals who experience difficulties consuming cow’s milk, specifically those with Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow’s milk allergy (CMA), which is one of the most common food allergies among infants.
  • Mare’s milk was investigated as a possible alternative due to its high nutritional value and its comparable composition to human milk, making it potentially a good substitute.
  • The researchers noted the historical use of mare’s milk among Turkic peoples and aimed to review and consolidate information about the milk’s composition and its application in healthcare.
  • Comprehensive literature was sourced from databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, Elsevier, and CyberLeninka. Keywords such as “mare’s milk,” “saumal,” “composition,” “properties,” and “use in medicine” were used to find related articles and studies.
  • A total of 77 sources were selected for review, almost all of which were in English and published within the last 10 years.

Findings

  • The study found that mare’s milk, among milks from many mammalian species, is chemically similar to human milk. For this reason, it can be used as a substitute for individuals who cannot consume cows’ milk.
  • Mare’s milk has also been utilized as a nutritional supplement for people with various health conditions, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis C, psoriasis, and multiple types of immunodeficiency.
  • Furthermore, the milk from mares exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties, adding to its potential medicinal applications.
  • The study’s findings suggest mare’s milk not only as a thirst quencher but also as a source of vital nutrients similar to those in human milk.

Conclusion

  • This research affirms mare’s milk as a valuable nutritional and potential medicinal alternative to cow’s milk, particularly for those who suffer allergic reactions to bovine milk.
  • Additional research could be beneficial in further understanding the potential benefits and applications of mare’s milk in both dietary and health contexts.

Cite This Article

APA
Musaev A, Sadykova S, Anambayeva A, Saizhanova M, Balkanay G, Kolbaev M. (2021). Mare’s Milk: Composition, Properties, and Application in Medicine. Arch Razi Inst, 76(4), 1125-1135. https://doi.org/10.22092/ari.2021.355834.1725

Publication

Archives of Razi Institute
ISSN: 2008-9872
NlmUniqueID: 101549567
Country: Iran
Language: English
Volume: 76
Issue: 4
Pages: 1125-1135

Researcher Affiliations

Musaev, A
  • NJSC"Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical, University", Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Sadykova, S
  • Kazakh Medical University of Continuing Education, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Anambayeva, A
  • NJSC"Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical, University", Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Saizhanova, M
  • NJSC"Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical, University", Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Balkanay, G
  • NJSC"Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical, University", Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Kolbaev, M
  • NJSC"Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical, University", Almaty, Kazakhstan.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Horses
  • Milk / chemistry
  • Milk Hypersensitivity / diet therapy
  • Milk Hypersensitivity / prevention & control

References

This article includes 37 references
  1. Pietrzak-Fiećko R, Tomczyński R, Smoczyński SS. Effect of lactation period on the fatty acid composition in mares’ milk from different breeds.. Arch Anim Breed 2013;56(1):335–43.
  2. Akai Tegin R, Gonulalan Z. All aspects of natural fermented products–koumiss.. MANAS J Eng 2014;2(1):23–34.
  3. Wszolek M, Kupiec-Teahan B, Guldager HS, Tamime A. Production of kefir, koumiss and other related products.. Fermented Milk .
  4. Malacarne M, Martuzzi F, Summer A, Mariani P. Protein and fat composition of mare's milk: some nutritional remarks with reference to human and cow's milk.. Int Dairy J 2002;12(11):869–77.
  5. Holmes AD, Spelman AF, Smith CT, Kuzmeski JW. Composition of mares’ milk as compared with that of other species.. J Dairy Sci 1947;30(6):385–95.
  6. Csapó-Kiss Z, Stefler J, Martin T, Makray S, Csapó J. Composition of mares' colostrum and milk. Protein content, amino acid composition and contents of macro and micro-elements.. Int Dairy J 1995;5(4):403–15.
  7. Sarkar BR, Rykala AJ, Duncan C. The essential amino acid content of the proteins isolated from milk of the cow, ewe, sow, and mare.. J Dairy Sci 1953;36(8):859–64.
  8. Duisembaev K, Akimbekov B. Variation of milk yield and its relationship with milk composition of mares at a koumiss farm.. Sborn Nauch Trudov Kazakh Nauch-Issled Tekhnol Inst Ovtsev 461982. pp. 95–100.
  9. Potočnik K, Gantner V, Kuterovac K, Cividini A. Mare’s milk: composition and protein fraction in comparison with different milk species.. Mljekarstvo: časopis za unaprjeđenje proizvodnje i prerade mlijeka 2011;61(2):107–13.
  10. Castellote C, Casillas R, Ramírez-Santana C, Pérez-Cano FJ, Castell M, Moretones MG. Premature delivery influences the immunological composition of colostrum and transitional and mature human milk.. J Nutr 2011;141(6):1181–7.
    pubmed: 21508211
  11. Claeys W, Verraes C, Cardoen S, De Block J, Huyghebaert A, Raes K. Consumption of raw or heated milk from different species: An evaluation of the nutritional and potential health benefits.. Food Control 2014;42:188–201.
  12. Collomb M, Schmid A, Sieber R, Wechsler D, Ryhänen E-L. Conjugated linoleic acids in milk fat: Variation and physiological effects.. Int Dairy J 2006;16(11):1347–61.
  13. Zhang Y, Du R, He Q, Li H. Effect of Lactobacillus casei Zhang administration on liver lipids metabolism of high-Fat diet induced hypercholesterolemia rats.. Sci Agric Sin 2012;45:943–50.
  14. Devle H, Vetti I, Naess‐Andresen CF, Rukke EO, Vegarud G, Ekeberg D. A comparative study of fatty acid profiles in ruminant and non‐ruminant milk.. Eur J Lipid Sci Technol 2012;114(9):1036–43.
  15. Xue Q-G, Schey KL, Volety AK, Chu F-LE, La Peyre JF. Purification and characterization of lysozyme from plasma of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Comp Biochem Physiol B, Biochem Mol Biol 2004;139(1):11–25.
    pubmed: 15364284
  16. Pecka E, Dobrzański Z, Zachwieja A, Szulc T, Czyż K. Studies of composition and major protein level in milk and colostrum of mares.. Anim Sci J 2012;83(2):162–8.
    pubmed: 22339698
  17. Sarwar A, Enbergs H, Klug E. Influences of parity, age and mineral and trace element mixture on lysozyme activity in mare’s milk during early lactation period.. Vet Arh 2001;71(3):139–47.
  18. Nwaru BI, Takkinen H-M, Niemelä O, Kaila M, Erkkola M, Ahonen S. Timing of infant feeding in relation to childhood asthma and allergic diseases.. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013;131(1):78–86.
    pubmed: 23182171
  19. Markiewicz-Kęszycka M, Wójtowski J, Czyżak-Runowska G, Kuczyńska B, Puppel K, Krzyżewski J. Concentration of selected fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins and β-carotene in late lactation mares' milk.. Int Dairy J 2014;38(1):31–6.
  20. Garcia-Rodenas CL, Affolter M, Vinyes-Pares G, De Castro CA, Karagounis LG, Zhang Y. Amino acid composition of breast milk from urban chinese mothers.. Nutrients 2016;8(10):606.
    pmc: PMC5083994pubmed: 27690094
  21. Marchis Z, Longodor AL, Balta I, Aurelia C. Influence of Lactation on Composition of Mare's Milk.. Scientific Bulletin Series F Biotechnologies 2019.
  22. Belitz H-D, Grosch W, Schieberle P. Amino acids, peptides, proteins.. Food chemistry: Springer 2004. pp. 8–91.
  23. EFSA. The community summary report on trends and sources of zoonoses and zoonotic agents and food-borne outbreaks in the European Union in 2012.. EFSA 2014;12.
  24. Sheng Q, Fang X. Bioactive components in mare milk.. Bioactive Componentsin Milk Dairy Product 2009:195.
  25. Claeys WL, Cardoen S, Daube G, De Block J, Dewettinck K, Dierick K. Raw or heated cow milk consumption: Review of risks and benefits.. Food Control 2013;31(1):251–62.
  26. Rahimi E, Kheirabadi EK. Detection of Helicobacter pylori in bovine, buffalo, camel, ovine, and caprine milk in Iran.. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2012;9(5):453–6.
    pubmed: 22458716
  27. Barłowska J, Szwajkowska M, Litwińczuk Z, Król J. Nutritional value and technological suitability of milk from various animal species used for dairy production.. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2011;10(6):291–302.
  28. Glade MJ. A 21st century evaluation of the safety of oral vitamin D.. Nutrition 2012;28(4):344–56.
    pubmed: 22414585
  29. Pieszka M, Łuszczyński J, Zamachowska M, Augustyn R, Długosz B, Hędrzak M. Is mare milk an appropriate food for people?: a review.. Ann Anim Sci 2016;16(1).
  30. Xu M, Wang Y, Dai Z, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wang J. Comparison of growth and nutritional status in infants receiving goat milk–based formula and cow milk–based formula: a randomized, double-blind study.. J Food Nutr Res 2015;59(1):28613.
    pmc: PMC4676839pubmed: 26652603
  31. Sarsekova F, Saparbekova A, Mamaeva L. Biochemical and microbiological bases of koumiss production with the introduction of highly active ferment.. Issledovaniya, Resultaty 2013;3:68–74.
  32. Andersen JH, Osbakk SA, Vorland LH, Traavik T, Gutteberg TJ. Lactoferrin and cyclic lactoferricin inhibit the entry of human cytomegalovirus into human fibroblasts.. Antiviral Res 2001;51(2):141–9.
    pubmed: 11431038
  33. Benkerroum N. Antimicrobial activity of lysozyme with special relevance to milk.. Afr J Biotechnol 2008;7(25).
  34. Naert L, Vande Vyvere B, Verhoeven G, Duchateau L, De Smet S, Coopman F. Assessing heterogeneity of the composition of mare's milk in Flanders.. Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift 2013;82(1):23–30.
  35. Ellison R, 3rd, Giehl TJ. Killing of gram-negative bacteria by lactoferrin and lysozyme.. J Clin Investig 1991;88(4):1080–91.
    pmc: PMC295557pubmed: 1918365
  36. Hamosh M. Protective function of proteins and lipids in human milk.. Neonatology 1998;74(2):163–76.
    pubmed: 9691157
  37. van der Strate BWA. Anti-cytomegalovirus applications of the intrinsically active drug carrier lactoferrin: University Library Groningen][Host]. 2001.

Citations

This article has been cited 23 times.
  1. Shokrollahi B, Choi JY, Won M, Kim ET, Lee SE, Ham JS. Koumiss (Fermented Mare's Milk) as a Functional Food: Bioactive Proteins, Peptides, and Future Perspectives. Foods 2025 Nov 18;14(22).
    doi: 10.3390/foods14223954pubmed: 41300112google scholar: lookup
  2. Wang R, Ren W, Liu S, Li Z, Li L, Ma S, Yao X, Meng J, Zeng Y, Wang J. Metagenomic Analysis Reveals the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Mare Milk. Int J Mol Sci 2025 Aug 25;26(17).
    doi: 10.3390/ijms26178239pubmed: 40943165google scholar: lookup
  3. Huang X, He L, Ma J, Li Y, Li J, Zang C, Hou M, Li X. Ellagic acid on milk production performance, blood and milk hormones, antioxidant capacity and fecal microbial communities in lactating Yili mares. Front Microbiol 2025;16:1656100.
    doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1656100pubmed: 40881293google scholar: lookup
  4. Boranbayeva T, Dossimova Z, Zhalelov D, Zhunisbek A, Bolat A, Toishimanov M. Influence of Lactation, Age and Foaling Factors on the Quality Composition, Fatty and Amino Acid Profile of Mare's Milk Under Pasture Conditions. Foods 2025 Aug 19;14(16).
    doi: 10.3390/foods14162880pubmed: 40870792google scholar: lookup
  5. Toishimanov M, Zhanten O, Kanat R, Beishova I, Ulyanov V, Assanbayev T, Sharapatov T, Daurov D, Daurova A, Sapakhova Z, Nametov A, Shamekova M. The Effects of the Lactation Period, Mare Age, and Foaling on the Chemical and Physical Composition of Milk from Kazakh Mares Kept Under Natural Pasture Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 19;15(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15121817pubmed: 40564365google scholar: lookup
  6. Zhang Q, Li Q, Wang X, Wu Y, Chen R, Sun Y, Pan Y, Li S, Wang Z. Comprehensive analysis through multi-omics integration to compare and elucidate the specific substances in milk of donkey、horse、camel、human and pig. Food Chem X 2025 May;28:102592.
    doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.102592pubmed: 40520710google scholar: lookup
  7. Mazzotta E, Natale A, Bellinati L, Ceglie L, Lucchese L, Kevenk TO, Menandro ML, Giacometti F, Alberghini L. Raw Equid Milk: A Potential Risk for Q Fever?. Animals (Basel) 2025 May 19;15(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15101460pubmed: 40427337google scholar: lookup
  8. Kossaliyeva G, Rysbekuly K, Zhaparkulova K, Kozykan S, Li J, Serikbayeva A, Shynykul Z, Zhaparkulova M, Yessimsiitova Z. Chemical composition, physical properties, and immunomodulating study of mare's milk of the Adaev horse breed from Kazakhstan. Front Nutr 2025;12:1443031.
    doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1443031pubmed: 40357039google scholar: lookup
  9. Wagner JCP, Edwards M, Trivedi S, Minter LJ, Ange-van Heugten K. Domestic Quarter Horse (Equus caballus) Milk Macronutrient Composition Analyses Within Micro Quantities from Two Different Geographical Locations. Animals (Basel) 2025 Mar 19;15(6).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15060882pubmed: 40150411google scholar: lookup
  10. Gawałek J, Cais-Sokolińska D, Teichert J. Mare's and Cow's Milk Fortified with Flaxseed Oil Through Freeze-Drying Microencapsulation: Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties. Foods 2025 Jan 16;14(2).
    doi: 10.3390/foods14020280pubmed: 39856946google scholar: lookup
  11. Eiri A, Kaboosi H, Niknejad F, Ardebili A, Joshaghani HR. In vitro detoxification of aflatoxin B1 by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from the north of Iran: A pioneering insights into the origin of fermented beverages. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2025 Oct;70(5):1075-1086.
    doi: 10.1007/s12223-024-01234-4pubmed: 39739220google scholar: lookup
  12. Majadi M, Barkó A, Varga-Tóth A, Maukenovna ZS, Batirkhanovna DZ, Dilora S, Lukacs M, Kaszab T, Mednyánszky Z, Kovacs Z. Quality Assessment of Reconstructed Cow, Camel and Mare Milk Powders by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics. Molecules 2024 Aug 23;29(17).
    doi: 10.3390/molecules29173989pubmed: 39274837google scholar: lookup
  13. Ulaangerel T, Wang M, Zhao B, Yi M, Shen Y, Mengkh Y, Wen X, Dugarjav M, Bou G. A Comparative Analysis of the Gene Expression Profiles in the Mammary Glands of Lactating and Nonlactating Mares at the Second Month of Gestation. Animals (Basel) 2024 Aug 9;14(16).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14162319pubmed: 39199853google scholar: lookup
  14. Lin J, Jing H, Wang J, Lucien-Cabaraux JF, Yang K, Liu W, Li X. Effects of lysine and threonine on milk yield, amino acid metabolism, and fecal microbiota of Yili lactating mares. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1396053.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1396053pubmed: 39021407google scholar: lookup
  15. Martini M, Degl'Innocenti A, Altomonte I, Sodi I, Bocci C, Fanelli D, Moroni R, Panzani D, Camillo F, Salari F. Report on a Milking Mule: Milk Qualitative Characteristics during Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2024 May 27;14(11).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14111585pubmed: 38891633google scholar: lookup
  16. Benameur F, Belkaaloul K, Kheroua O. Isolation of 60 strains from fermented milk of mares and donkeys in Algeria and identification by 16S rRNA sequencing of lactobacilli: Assessment of probiotic skills of important strains and aromatic productivity power. Vet World 2024 Apr;17(4):829-841.
    doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.829-841pubmed: 38798294google scholar: lookup
  17. Mienaltowski MJ, Callahan M, De La Torre U, Maga EA. Comparing microbiotas of foals and their mares' milk in the first two weeks after birth. BMC Vet Res 2024 Jan 8;20(1):17.
    doi: 10.1186/s12917-023-03864-1pubmed: 38191395google scholar: lookup
  18. Kocyigit E, Abdurakhmanov R, Kocyigit BF. Potential role of camel, mare milk, and their products in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Rheumatol Int 2024 Mar;44(3):425-434.
    doi: 10.1007/s00296-023-05516-xpubmed: 38183445google scholar: lookup
  19. Robles M, Rousseau-Ralliard D, Dubois C, Josse T, Nouveau É, Dahirel M, Wimel L, Couturier-Tarrade A, Chavatte-Palmer P. Obesity during Pregnancy in the Horse: Effect on Term Placental Structure and Gene Expression, as Well as Colostrum and Milk Fatty Acid Concentration. Vet Sci 2023 Dec 4;10(12).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci10120691pubmed: 38133242google scholar: lookup
  20. Cais-Sokolińska D, Teichert J, Gawałek J. Foaming and Other Functional Properties of Freeze-Dried Mare's Milk. Foods 2023 Jun 5;12(11).
    doi: 10.3390/foods12112274pubmed: 37297518google scholar: lookup
  21. Oh Y, Mun S, Choi YB, Jo H, Lee DG, Han K. Genome-Wide Pathway Exploration of the Epidermidibacterium keratini EPI-7(T). Microorganisms 2023 Mar 28;11(4).
    doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11040870pubmed: 37110293google scholar: lookup
  22. Barłowska J, Polak G, Janczarek I, Tkaczyk E. The Influence of Selected Factors on the Nutritional Value of the Milk of Cold-Blooded Mares: The Example of the Sokólski Breed. Animals (Basel) 2023 Mar 24;13(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13071152pubmed: 37048410google scholar: lookup
  23. Wang Z, Sun Y, Wu Y, Chen R, Xu Y, Cai Y, Chu M, Dou X, Zhang Y, Qin Y, Gu M, Qiao Y, Zhang Q, Li Q, Wang X, Wu J, Wu R. Metabonomic analysis of human and 12 kinds of livestock mature milk. Food Chem X 2023 Mar 30;17:100581.
    doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2023.100581pubmed: 36845482google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.