A South African farming business is turning donkey milk into a range of commercial products, as research points to potential consumer demand for alternative dairy products.
The Donkey Dairy, based in Magaliesburg and owned by farmer Jesse Christelis, has expanded from selling bottled milk into powdered milk capsules, skincare products and haircare, using processing technology to extend its product range and reach new markets.
The business currently has approximately 145 donkeys and aims to increase its herd to 500 over the next three years.
The expansion comes as South African agricultural research examines the commercial prospects of donkey milk. A 2024 study by researchers including Chiedza Zvirurami Tsvakirai and Boago Keitshweditse investigated consumer preferences in Mahikeng, finding that respondents were willing to pay a 10% premium for donkey milk compared with the relevant alternative.
The findings point to a potential market for alternative dairy products, although affordability, consumer awareness and production costs remain important considerations.
Processing creates value beyond the farm
Christelis’s business has had to find ways to overcome the challenges of producing and distributing a product with relatively low milk yields.
He said the farm initially relied on freezing bottled milk, but maintaining the cold chain increased distribution costs.
“We were bottle-freezing milk because we didn’t want to use plastic that can leach BPA into our product,” he said.
The business subsequently invested in freeze-drying technology to produce powdered milk, which is packaged into 480mg vegetarian capsules.
Unlike liquid milk, freeze-dried powder can be stored and transported more easily. It can also be reconstituted with water for consumption, subject to the product’s preparation instructions. The capsules, however, are marketed as a separate product.
The farm has also diversified into soaps, creams, shampoos, conditioners and baby lotions.
Research published in 2025 by Tsvakirai on marketing milk from non-cattle dairy species identifies processing, packaging, product development and consumer education as important factors in developing markets for alternative milk products.
This presents opportunities beyond primary agricultural production, including food processing, manufacturing, packaging and distribution.
Production remains a constraint
Despite international interest, increasing supply remains a challenge.
Christelis said the farm had exported products to South Korea but could not yet meet larger orders at its current production levels.
“At the current volumes we’re running, it’s not feasible,” he said.
According to Christelis, an individual donkey produces approximately 250ml of milk daily, considerably less than conventional dairy cows. The farm also allows foals to feed from their mothers during the first two months after birth before collecting milk.
Growing production will therefore require investment in breeding, livestock management, infrastructure and processing capacity.
The business has expanded its original 34ha property by acquiring an additional 50ha. Christelis said it had also received interest from investors but declined one proposed arrangement.
His longer-term ambition is to reach 500 donkeys, although the expansion will depend on financing and the ability to develop reliable markets.
“Donkey farming in South Africa is simply not on the same level as production in Europe,” he said.
