Donkeys are the most misunderstood, yet patient and humble animals in the world. Their milk costs more than French champagne, it is as beneficial as breast milk and it is expected to bring great profits to anyone who invests in it.
Nobody would believe that this neglected animal which first appeared around 3000 BC in Africa, would be a great source of profit for people who rear them.
A donkey farm located near the town of Nigrita in Greece and owned by Diogenis Papliakas, rears around 300 donkeys, 200 of which are female. “Our farm may be one of the largest donkey farms in Greece,” he stated with pride during an interview, recalling his childhood when at the age of 10 he acquired his first two donkeys.
“I loved donkeys since I was a child. They kept me company when I used to work in the fields with my father,” he said. After a few years, he had more than 10 donkeys and his farm started growing but without any profit at first.
Almost 15 years ago, a survey conducted by the Laboratory of Animal Husbandry of the Veterinary School in Thessaloniki, led professor Giorgos Arsenios at Papliakas’ farm.
“The information and encouragement that Mr. Arsenios gave me, led me to seriously consider breeding the donkeys and create a farm of European standards.”
Donkey milk is currently available in the retail market but has not yet become available in supermarkets. It is sold for 50 euros per liter, while its processing results in various other products such as cheese, food supplements, cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging soaps, sweets and liqueurs.
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