Osservazioni su alcuni parametri di composizione e igienico-sanitari del latte d'asina

The results of a study on the quality of donkey’s milk from four farms in Sicily, from 27 animals during lactation, are showed. The article gives a better knowledge on some aspects of composition, sanitary and safety parameters of donkey’s milk, also in view of some specifications of EC regulation 853/2004. This latter includes “other species” as milk animal species and underlines the formulation of specific rules related to the quality of raw milk and of dairy products. The authors wish that the survey, as others of the same topic, will contribute to the scientific basis that would inspire the formulation of specific criteria for donkey’s milk, in view of the hoped-for future therapeutic use for infants. On the basis of the showed results, low fat and protein contents, but high lactose percentage, were confirmed for donkey’s milk. An high urea content was found. Means for somatic cell count and standard plate count and the absence of pathogens showed a good sanitary and safety condition of donkey’s milk samples. Concerted efforts are needed to improve the field of donkey’s farms management and to guarantee a better exploitation of donkey’s milk.