The Best Alternative To Mother’s Milk

IT WAS with sadness that we read, in the issue of 16 June 2011, of the experience of baby Pejamena Bessa and the valiant attempts of her grandmother, Magdalena Bessa, to care for her tiny granddaughter.

We very much hope that by now people have responded to her appeal for support, but would also like to suggest that there is a possible alternative.In Europe in the days before formula milk, donkey milk was used extensively, especially in France in the 19th century, as an alternative for mother’s milk. Many foundling hospitals maintained herds of lactating donkeys to sustain the orphaned babies. Donkey milk is very close to human milk and is increasingly being used in Europe today, especially in Italy, for babies who are intolerant to cow’s milk.In Gobabis and the surrounding areas there are undoubtedly many donkeys, some of which will be lactating. Would it not be possible to milk some of these to provide a source of healthy nutrition to Pejamena?We are currently working on a project to encourage the production and consumption of donkey milk, especially in rural areas. If anyone would like more information, please get in touch with us at info@donkeywelfare.com.Peter Collingwood/Russell HayDonkey Welfare of Namibia