Milk Production and Nutritional Benefits of Mediterranean Donkeys
Author Information
Author(s): Aroua Mohamed, Fatica Antonella, Ben Said Samia, Mahouachi Mokhtar, Salimei Elisabetta, Pérez-Écija Alejandro
Primary Institution: Laboratoire d’Appui à la Durabilité des Systèmes de Production Agricoles du Nord-Ouest, Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture du Kef, Université de Jendouba, Tunisia
Hypothesis
How do the milk production and nutritional content of Masri and North African donkey breeds compare?
Conclusion
North African donkeys produce more milk with higher protein content compared to Masri donkeys, making them more suitable for human consumption.
Supporting Evidence
- North African donkeys produced an average of 188.66 kg of milk over a lactation period of 205 days.
- Masri donkeys produced an average of 163.42 kg of milk over the same period.
- North African donkey milk had higher protein content (1.45 g/100 g) compared to Masri donkey milk (1.32 g/100 g).
- Masri donkey milk had a higher fat content (1.16 g/100 g) than North African donkey milk (0.90 g/100 g).
- Both breeds showed similar persistency indices in milk production.
Takeaway
This study found that North African donkeys make more milk and that their milk is healthier than that of Masri donkeys.
Methodology
The study used the Wood model to analyze lactation curves and assessed the physicochemical properties of milk from two donkey populations.
Limitations
The study was limited to two donkey breeds and conducted in a specific geographic area, which may not represent all donkey populations.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 28 multiparous lactating donkeys, 14 from each breed, with an average age of 8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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