South African donkey dairy serves niche market

Jesse Christelis takes a moment with a spotted donkey in 2023 at The Donkey Dairy near Magaliesberg, South Africa. The 75-acre farm is home to 146 donkeys, including a milking herd of 30-40 jennies.

Posted Monday, February 24, 2025 9:48 pm

By Danielle Nauman | danielle.n@dairystar.com

MAGALIESBERG, South Africa — On the gently sloping foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains, in the northern South African province of Gauteng, is a unique dairy farm.

The Donkey Dairy PTY LTD, is exactly what it sounds like: a one-of-a-kind farm home to 146 donkeys, including a milking herd that fluctuates between 30 to 40 jennies.

Jesse Christelis established the farm in 2012 in Magaliesberg after his passion for natural remedies led him to discover the naturopathic value of donkey milk.

“The benefits of donkey milk are rooted in ancient healing traditions, yet backed by modern science,” Christelis said. “Donkey milk offers unparalleled nutritional and medicinal properties.”

Donkey milk is the closest milk type to human breast milk. According to Christelis this  makes it an ideal substitute for infants with milk and formula allergies. He said besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, it is also loaded with antioxidants and enzymes that strengthen the immune system and combat autoimmune issues. It also has natural antihistamine properties, making it effective in alleviating respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.

“Donkey milk is a true superfood for overall health and well-being,” Christelis said.

The nearly 75-acre donkey farm consists of both grazing areas and rugged mountainous terrain in a moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters — a combination Christelis said is perfect for donkeys that are browsers and grazers by nature. The farm also has access to a natural spring to provide mineral-rich water he says is vital for producing high-quality donkey milk.

Volume production is not the goal in donkey dairying, Christelis said, with average production being just over 8 ounces per day, per jenny. The jennies at The Donkey Dairy produce just over 50 gallons of milk per month, collectively. The jennies are milked by hand.

“The limited production makes donkey milk an exceptionally rare and valuable product,” Christelis said. “You would need 160 donkeys to match the output of one dairy cow.”

Foals must remain at their mother’s sides for donkeys to lactate, Christelis said. Milk production is linked to an oxytocin release created by the presence of the foal.

“Our milking process is a delicate balance,” Christelis said. “We share the milk with the foal while ensuring minimal stress for mother and baby.”

While Christelis said donkey milk is delicious with a light, slightly sweet taste, it is not consumed in the same manner or volume as cow or goat milk.

“Donkey milk is sought for its health benefits,” Christelis said. “It’s an excellent alternative for individuals with dairy allergies or skin conditions. Historical records even suggest that Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk for its rejuvenating effects.”

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the farm, Christelis has focused on harnessing those qualities of donkey milk, creating a line of natural skincare products.

Milk, and all-natural skincare products are sold directly to consumers at the farm, through an online store and at select retailers.

Christelis also looks towards agritourism and ecotourism to help diversify the farm’s business model.

“This area is a popular tourism destination and brings visitors interested in ethical farming and animal interactions,” Christelis said. “The Donkey Dairy is more than just a farm — it’s a mission to promote ethical, sustainable farming while fostering a deeper connection between people, animals and nature. These additional revenue streams help sustain our operations while allowing us to share the beauty of our farm with others.”

Like other areas of the world, the South African dairy industry is dominated by cow milk and goat milk. Christelis believes The Donkey Dairy is the only one of its kind in the country and that only one other donkey dairy operates in the region in Botswana.

“(This) gives us a unique market position but also means we bear the responsibility of educating the public of the benefits of donkey milk,” Christelis said. “Consumer education is a major challenge we face. A significant part of our efforts goes into informing potential customers of the benefits of donkey milk.”

Working with the donkeys on a daily basis brings its own reward, Christelis said, added to the knowledge of the positive impacts donkey milk can have to help people.

“Knowing what we are doing can help a child with allergies to dairy or a person suffering from skin conditions is fulfilling,” Christelis said.

With over a decade of milking donkeys under his belt, Christelis continues to look towards the future, with goals to increase production efficiency, expand tourism efforts and develop new donkey milk-based products. Christelis hopes to enter the global market with his products.

“Long-term we envision The Donkey Dairy becoming a globally recognized name in donkey milk production and ecotourism while maintaining our commitment to ethical farming,” Christelis said.

With those goals in mind, Christelis is excited to continue to share the benefits of donkey milk alongside the story of The Donkey Dairy.

“We are proud to be pioneers in this industry,” Christelis said. “We started The Donkey Dairy out of a love for these gentle animals and a belief in the untapped potential of donkey milk in South Africa. Our goal is to continue expanding our ethical and sustainable approach to donkey milk production while increasing awareness of its incredible health benefits.”

Article Link: https://dairystar.com/stories/small-yields-mighty-benefits,27383