Mediterranean donkey milk production

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 Donkey milk has been prized since ancient times for its cosmetic and nutritional benefits. According to legend, Cleopatra, famed for her beauty, bathed in donkey milk to maintain her radiant complexion. It is said that she kept a herd of 700 donkeys to ensure a steady supply of milk for her beauty rituals.

In modern times, donkey milk is increasingly recognised as a valuable dairy alternative due to its unique composition and health benefits. But is all donkey milk the same, or do breed differences influence its properties?

 

A study led by Mohamed Aroua, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Jendouba, Tunisia, and the University of Molise, Italy, examined the milk production and nutritional quality of two Mediterranean donkey breeds, Masri and North African. The research analysed the volume of milk produced and its nutritional components, including proteins, fats, amino acids, and fatty acids.

 

Nutritional analysis highlighted notable differences in milk composition:

 

• Protein Content: North African donkey milk had higher protein levels (1.45 g/100 g) and β-lactoglobulin, essential for nutritional and functional properties.

• Fat Content: Masri donkey milk contained more fat (1.16 g/100 g), particularly unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, which are known for their cardiovascular benefits. In contrast, North African milk had higher levels of palmitic acid, a saturated fat.

• Amino Acids: North African milk was rich in glutamate, while Masri milk had higher levels of aspartate.

 

North African donkeys outperformed Masri donkeys in milk yield, producing significantly more milk over the lactation period. This makes them particularly suitable for functional food applications where higher yield and protein content are desired.

 

Both breeds demonstrated the potential to produce high-quality milk suitable for human consumption. However, North African donkeys showed an edge in terms of productivity and nutrient profiles, making their milk better suited for functional food and nutritional applications.

 

This research highlights the promise of donkey milk as a niche, health-focused dairy product. Promoting its production could support sustainable agricultural practices and enhance rural economies.

 

Promoting donkey milk production could support sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to rural economic development by introducing a niche, health-focused dairy product into the market.

 

For more details, see:

 

Aroua, Mohamed, Antonella Fatica, Samia Ben Said, Mokhtar Mahouachi, and Elisabetta Salimei. 

Preserving Mediterranean Donkeys: A Study on Milk Production and Nutritional Benefits

Animals (2024) vol 14, no. 24: 3713. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243713

Sampling air sampling for flu detection

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 Air sampling may provide a safe and effective method for detecting horses infected with equine influenza virus (EIV), according to new research from Japan.

EIV, a highly contagious respiratory disease in horses, spreads through aerosolised droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces (“fomites”). Traditionally, confirming EIV infection requires nasopharyngeal swabs, which can be invasive and challenging, especially for untrained or aggressive horses.

 

A study conducted by researchers at the Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, in Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan, has demonstrated that EIV can be recovered directly from the air surrounding infected horses. The research, led by Manabu Nemoto and colleagues and published in Veterinary Microbiology, involved experiments with two horses intentionally infected with EIV and housed in individual stalls.

 

Air samples were collected daily for 13 days post-inoculation using an air sampler. The findings showed that EIV RNA was detected in 26 out of 28 air samples using real-time RT-PCR and in 23 samples using a rapid molecular test kit. Significantly, viral RNA was detected in the air before the horses displayed clinical symptoms, emphasising the potential of air sampling for early detection.

 

The research team highlighted that air sampling is a non-invasive and safe alternative to traditional methods, avoiding the risks associated with swab collection. Additionally, the combination of air sampling with rapid molecular diagnostic kits, which can identify viral RNA in under 30 minutes, offers a practical and efficient approach for monitoring and controlling EIV outbreaks.

 

They suggest that this method could be particularly beneficial in quarantine facilities and other high-risk settings where early detection and containment of EIV are essential.

 

For more details, see:

 

Manabu Nemoto, Nanako Kawanishi, Yoshinori Kambayashi, Hiroshi Bannai, Takashi Yamanaka, Koji Tsujimura,

Detection of equine influenza virus gene in the air around infected horses,

Veterinary Microbiology, (2025), Vol 302, 110388,

 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110388

Horses in Asia Found Infected with H5N1 Avian Influenza

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A recent study has revealed that horses in Asia have been infected with H5N1 avian influenza,
with these infections occurring undetected.  

The research, led by Professor Pablo Murcia from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, in collaboration with an international team of scientists from the US and Mongolia, involved antibody testing on horse herds in Mongolia.  The findings, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, reveal asymptomatic infections in Mongolian horse herds.

 

The researchers tested horse herds in two distinct Mongolian regions: a wetland area with a high population of wild birds and a dry area with low bird density. The results showed higher exposure rates in the wetland region. Importantly, there were no reports of previous respiratory disease outbreaks among the horses, suggesting that the infections were acquired asymptomatically.

 

These findings confirm that avian influenza can spread to other species, including horses. While equine influenza is typically caused by the H3N8 subtype, the detection of H5N1 highlights the potential for avian influenza to infect horses.

The study raises concerns about cross-species transmission, particularly in agricultural environments where horses may be exposed to infected livestock. Since March 2023, the rapid spread of H5N1 in US dairy cattle has amplified the risk of horses contracting avian influenza.

Coinfection with H5N1 and equine influenza (H3N8) could result in genetic reassortment, potentially creating new influenza strains with unpredictable consequences for animals and humans. Professor Murcia noted parallels to the 2009 swine-origin influenza pandemic, emphasizing the importance of preventing such reassortment events.

The researchers conclude by recommending serologic surveys in premises that keep horses. Such studies, they say, would aid early virus detection, provide a comprehensive picture of the changing ecology of avian influenza viruses, and inform the design of control measures to prevent influenza emergence.

This study highlights the need for:

1. Enhanced surveillance of influenza infections in horses, particularly in regions with high wild bird densities or significant interaction with infected livestock.
2. Strengthened biosecurity measures to reduce interspecies transmission in agricultural settings.
3. Further research into the mechanisms of avian influenza spillover and the potential for new virus emergence.

For more details, see: 

 

Batchuluun Damdinjav, Savitha Raveendran, Laura Mojsiejczuk, Ulaankhuu Ankhanbaatar, Jiayun Yang, Jean-Remy Sadeyen, Munir Iqbal, Daniel R. Perez, Daniela S. Rajao, Andrew Park, Mafalda Viana, and Pablo R. Murcia (2025)

Evidence of Influenza A(H5N1) Spillover Infections in Horses, Mongolia.

Emerging Infectious Diseases, 31(1) 

https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3101.241266 

https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_1134067_en.html

Survey on SGLT2 Inhibitor Use in Horses with EMS or PPID

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Have you used an SGLT2 inhibitor (one of the          "-flozin" drugs) to treat your horse? If so, the Equine
Cushing's and Insulin Resistance Group (ECIR) invites you to contribute to an important research initiative.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), such as ertugliflozin and canagliflozin, are increasingly used to manage equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), particularly in horses with laminitis that has not responded to dietary changes. These drugs have shown potential benefits, including reducing serum insulin levels, aiding weight loss, and improving laminitis associated with hyperinsulinemia.

However, concerns have arisen about possible side effects, such as elevated serum triglycerides and liver enzyme levels, lethargy, and increased drinking and urination.

Dr. Kellon of the ECIR Group has created a survey to investigate factors that may influence the outcomes of SGLT2 inhibitor use in horses. This includes individual horse characteristics, comorbidities, and dietary factors that may contribute to or mitigate adverse effects.

If you are an owner, veterinarian, or caretaker of a horse receiving one of these drugs—such as canagliflozin, ertugliflozin, or dapagliflozin—you are encouraged to participate in the survey. Your insights will help enhance understanding and improve the management of metabolic disorders in horses and ponies.

The survey can be found here www.surveymonkey.com/r/YM5JD9G 

 

See also:

Eleanor M. Kellon, V.M.D. (Equine Nutritional Solutions) 

www.drkellon.com

 

Equine Cushing's and Insulin Resistance Group Inc.

www.ecirhorse.org

Green alternatives in equine reproduction

 The overreliance on plastic materials in all areas of modern life, including veterinary practice, poses a significant environmental challenge due to the pollution it generates.

Artificial insemination, a common technique in equine breeding programs, is a good example of the widespread nature of plastics in veterinary work. The procedure typically relies on disposable plastic items, such as insemination catheters and semen straws, which are essential for the collection, storage, and transfer of genetic material. However, their single-use nature contributes heavily to plastic waste. 

As part of the search for sustainable solutions, Noelia González and colleagues conducted a study to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic semen straws. The study evaluated various biodegradable materials, including bamboo, avocado, grass, paper, Kraft paper, wheat, and rice, focusing on their suitability for preserving refrigerated, extended equine semen.

Among the materials tested, bamboo and avocado emerged as the most promising options. Bamboo displayed strong structural integrity, making it a durable and reliable container, However, avocado-based straws were particularly effective in maintaining sperm quality parameters, such as motility and movement kinetics, without introducing contaminants.

The research team conducted detailed assessments of the straws’ structural integrity and their ability to preserve semen quality after 24 and 96 hours of refrigeration. Both bamboo and avocado straws performed within acceptable ranges, but avocado straws yielded superior results. Additionally, microbiological control tests confirmed the absence of bacterial growth in both straw types, further supporting their potential as safe alternatives to plastic.

The findings suggest that avocado-based straws could serve as a viable alternative to plastic straws in artificial insemination procedures, offering an environmentally friendly solution without compromising the success of reproductive practices.

 

For more details, see:

 

González N, Peñalosa A, de Blas I, Gil L. 

Sustainable Alternatives to the Reduction of Plastic Straws Used with Chilled Equine Semen. 

Animals. (2024); 14(23):3388. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233388

Hand injuries more common during horse handling than riding

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Horse-associated hand injuries occur more frequently during horse handling than riding according to a new study.

 The most common injuries in equestrian sports involve the head, followed by injuries to the upper extremities and the thoracic and lumbar spine. Among hand injuries, riding a horse ranks third as a cause after ball sports and cycling.

A study conducted in Northern Germany by Benedikt Ritter and colleagues at the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery at Hannover Medical School examined the circumstances, mechanisms, and locations of horse-related hand injuries, as well as the use of protective equipment. The work is published in the Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

This retrospective cohort study analysed records of patients admitted to the hand trauma centre. Complete records, including follow-up data, were available for 39 patients over a five-year period. The cohort included 35 females and 4 males, with ages ranging from 9 to 65 years. Only 7.7% of participants were professional riders, while 92.3% were amateur riders, some with equestrian training qualifications.

Data from clinical records and telephone interviews were analysed to investigate the mechanisms of trauma and injury patterns.

Key Findings:

• Over half of the injuries (21 cases) occurred while leading the horse, primarily due to traction forces exerted by bridles or lead ropes on the fingers.
• Falls accounted for 13 cases, and 5 cases resulted from bite injuries.
• The phalanges (fingers) were the most injured site (33 cases), followed by the metacarpal bones (hand) (4 cases) and the carpal bones (wrist) (2 cases).
• Fractures were present in over half (20) of cases.
• avulsion amputations occurred in nine (23.1%) of patients 
• Thirty one cases (79.5%) required surgical intervention.

The researchers note that, while horse-related injuries represent a small proportion of total emergency visits, they are disproportionately severe. They say that this emphasises the need for targeted preventive measures and specialised care to address the high rate of serious outcomes associated with these injuries.

They recommend wearing appropriate protective gloves to prevent hand injuries, as well as using self-opening panic hooks with overload protection to prevent excessive traction.

 

For more details, see: 

 

Ritter, B., Dastagir, N., Tamulevicius, M Bucher F, Obed D, Vogt PD, Dastagir K.

Equestrian-associated injuries of the hand: a retrospective analysis of injury mechanisms and patterns. 

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg (2024) 144, 4937–4945

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-024-05586-x