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Agriculture
Volume 16
Issue 1
10.3390/agriculture16010120
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Review

A Comprehensive Review on Equine Milk: Composition, Functional Properties, Technological Applications, and Future Perspectives

by
Claudia Pânzaru
,
Mădălina Alexandra Davidescu
,
Cristina Simeanu
,
Constantin Pascal
,
Alexandru Usturoi
* and
Marius Gheorghe Doliș
Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iasi, Romania
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Agriculture 2026, 16(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010120
Submission received: 12 December 2025 / Revised: 29 December 2025 / Accepted: 30 December 2025 / Published: 2 January 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Mare and donkey milk have attracted scientific and commercial interest due to their distinctive biochemical composition and functional potential as nutritional sources. Their compositional similarity to human milk—particularly regarding lactose content, protein profile, and mineral balance—makes them relevant alternatives for individuals with bovine milk intolerance and suitable candidates for nutraceutical and biomedical research. This systematic review provides an overview of the physicochemical properties of the milk of these species, examining the influence of breed, diet, and lactation stage on yield and composition. Particular attention is given to bioactive compounds, including lysozyme, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins, which have been associated with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. The review also discusses technological processing methods, such as fermentation, pasteurization, and lyophilization, and their effects on functional and therapeutic properties. Finally, current challenges in production and research are addressed, including the need for standardized protocols, sustainable management strategies, and further investigation into the health-related properties of mare and donkey milk.
Keywords: mare milk; donkey milk; bioactive proteins; lactation stage; dairy processing; nutritional variability mare milk; donkey milk; bioactive proteins; lactation stage; dairy processing; nutritional variability

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MDPI and ACS Style

Pânzaru, C.; Davidescu, M.A.; Simeanu, C.; Pascal, C.; Usturoi, A.; Doliș, M.G. A Comprehensive Review on Equine Milk: Composition, Functional Properties, Technological Applications, and Future Perspectives. Agriculture 2026, 16, 120. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010120

AMA Style

Pânzaru C, Davidescu MA, Simeanu C, Pascal C, Usturoi A, Doliș MG. A Comprehensive Review on Equine Milk: Composition, Functional Properties, Technological Applications, and Future Perspectives. Agriculture. 2026; 16(1):120. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010120

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pânzaru, Claudia, Mădălina Alexandra Davidescu, Cristina Simeanu, Constantin Pascal, Alexandru Usturoi, and Marius Gheorghe Doliș. 2026. "A Comprehensive Review on Equine Milk: Composition, Functional Properties, Technological Applications, and Future Perspectives" Agriculture 16, no. 1: 120. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010120

APA Style

Pânzaru, C., Davidescu, M. A., Simeanu, C., Pascal, C., Usturoi, A., & Doliș, M. G. (2026). A Comprehensive Review on Equine Milk: Composition, Functional Properties, Technological Applications, and Future Perspectives. Agriculture, 16(1), 120. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010120

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