Spurt in demand for donkey milk, vets cry foul

The demand for donkey milk has made several women in the suburbs turn to it.  Just 10 ml of milk is sold for Rs 200. Women, who rear the animal, earn at least Rs 2,000 per day. 

Though not medically validated, people resort to donkey milk for various health issues. “I give about 10 ml of donkey milk to my child regularly and it boosts her immunity,” says B Mohana, mother of a six-month-old. 

Many new mothers think donkey milk enhances growth, promotes brain development, and improves the voice of the new born. 

Like Rani, many women assemble by 5 am with their donkeys at St Stephen Church Road, Mallika Nagar, Pallavaram for milk sales. 

Interestingly, a large number of people come with pet bottles even before the sellers arrive. Many elders believe that donkey milk can heal throat infections. “Whenever I have cold and throat infection, I consume the milk. It really cures,” 70 year old Subbiah, who lives in Chrompet, said. 

B Velraj (45) said donkey milk is good for diabetes. “I consume it regularly on empty stomach to keep my blood sugar levels intact,” he said adding that he treks almost five km every day to get the milk. However, veterinary doctors say donkey milk is devoid of any such benefits. “The milk may affect children as it has not been proven beneficial. It is mostly consumed without boiling,” a senior official of the Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University’s dairy wing said. 

However the entrepreneurs are a spirited lot. They say the initial investment is about Rs 25,000. “A donkey calf costs anywhere between Rs 25,000 and 30,000. A yielding donkey should be purchased from Tiruvanamali district,” says 62-year old K Gomathi, another donkey milk vendor who lives in Pallavaram.