Demand for donkey milk, although its price is high for the average standard in BiH, increased during the coronavirus pandemic, especially because this milk is used to boost immunity and is said to be a natural remedy for lung diseases.
Although donkey milk is considered to be one of the most expensive in the world. Even though the milk costs around 60 to 100 BAM for a liter in BiH, the demand is still very high.
Donkey breeders in BiH said that their biggest problem was that the price of donkey food increased during the pandemic, but that they were trying not to increase the price of milk.
Alen Jusupović, owner of the donkey farm “Mali farmer” from Zavidovići, told “Nezavisne” that it is noticeable that the demand for donkey milk increased during the pandemic because, according to him, people are already familiar with the benefits of donkey milk and its effects.
“Our farm has been producing donkey milk for nine years, we have been legally registered from the very beginning and we send our milk for microbiological analysis in order to protect our customers,” said Jusupović.
He added that currently the only way to buy from them is to reserve milk first, because they are unable to produce the required quantities immediately.
“As for the price of donkey milk, we have been keeping it at the level of 100 BAM per liter for nine years. We believe that this is a realistic price that reflects the production of real, pure donkey milk“, said Jusupović.
He pointed out that the pandemic increased all the costs of donkey breeding.
“The price of food for donkeys increased, but we wanted to remain consistent with our customers and the price remained the same,” said Jusupović.
As he pointed out, the problem is also finding quality hay, which is the basis of the donkey’s diet.
“We as producers consume about 10,000 pieces of hay bales a year. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find that amount of hay in our local area“, said Jusupović.
He added that they have to make sure that the hay is of good quality because, as he says, they want to give only the best to their donkeys.
“The second problem is the price of corn, which has also reached astronomical levels, which puts us in an unenviable position,” concluded Jusupović.
Saša Motičić, a donkey breeder from Teslić, also confirmed that the citizens recognized the beneficial effects of donkey milk during the pandemic.
As he pointed out, an increasing number of people buy this milk, and the price with it is 60 BAM per liter.
“We lowered the prices as much as we could because in order for the effect of donkey milk on health to be felt, it is necessary for a person to drink at least two liters of milk during 20 days,” said Motičić.
He added that he is sometimes contacted by citizens who have bought only half a liter of milk and complain that they have not felt the effects.
“Half a liter of milk can hardly help, that’s why we lowered the price. Sometimes people find it strange that the price is so low, so I invite them to come to the farm and see how we work,” Motičić explained.
He stated that he has no problem with the donkey’s diet, of which there are currently 25, because he produces/prepares the hay with which he feeds the donkeys.
“I combine corn, oats, barley in their diet… I buy only barley and sometimes I buy more oats, but I produce everything else on my farm,” said Motičić.
Numerous studies on donkey milk have shown that it improves immunity and resistance to diseases.
This milk can be used in diseases of the respiratory system and is often recommended for this purpose.
Due to the high price, it is used only occasionally, as a therapy.
Many nutritionists agree that donkey milk is most similar to breast milk in its composition, but also in the degree of digestibility.
