Turkey's first donkey farm to produce donkey milk

KIRKLARELİ - Doğan News Agency

AA Photo

Turkey's first donkey farm in the northwestern province of Kırklareli is aiming to produce donkey milk for consumption, Doğan news agency reported.
 
The project started in 2009, and the farm is now in use with a stock of nearly 180 donkeys, but the farm is always on the lookout for more of them, as the owner complains of "not being able to find donkeys" due to an insufficient number of donkeys in the country.
 
Ufuk Usta, the owner, hopes to turn donkey milk into a frequently consumed product, saying donkey's milk was the closest in structure to mother's milk.
 
"It helps with the digestive system and prevents obesity," Usta said. "It's the ideal milk for children."
 
The production of milk is yet to start in the farm due to formalities between Usta and the relevant authorities. Usta said he had completed the necessary paperwork and was now waiting for a response.
 
"It is written in ancient documents that Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk," Usta added. "It is anti-aging [agent] as well. It is already used in cosmetics."
 
Donkey milk is sold for 35 to 55 euros in European countries due to its rarity and limited supply.