27 Mar 2017

 From yore donkeys were used as a mode of transport, and only a few ate its meat.
Its milk was valued by only a few for its healing powers while its skin was not valued compared to other domesticates like cattle, goats and sheep.
However, as time went on, researches carried out the value of donkeys increased gradually as the nutritional value of its by-products were revealed, thereby generating interest and leading to many successful businesses specialising in donkey products.
Scientists have revealed that donkey meat contains less cholesterol and fats compared to other meats and its milk just like in ancient times, is valued for containing healing powers while its skin is now considered for its durability, which makes it preferable for high quality leather products.
A health practitioner and a medical library technician in Letlhakeng, Mr Brian Keofitlhile confirmed that indeed donkey meat is healthy as donkeys are mostly free from such diseases as foot and mouth as well as parasites like taenia saginata, which are mostly found in cattle.
He said this makes its milk to also be regarded as healthy as it contains less diseases.
Mr Ketshabile also said that donkey meat does not contain a lot of fat as compared to other animals.
The value of donkey milk has always been recognised for its healing powers and its nutritional value, it was used to heal asthma and boost children’s weight, appetite and also boost immune system of weak sick and old people.
One person who has exploited the recent findings is Mr Johannes Vissagie, a farmer and entrepreneur from Werda, who owns Kalahari Donkey Milk.
He said he decided to take advantage of the unknown value of donkey products to create a variety of products.
He said he opened a factory in Gaborone, which packages milk and produces milk by-products such as body lotions, ointments, soap and tablets.
He said this is achieved by flavouring milk with other natural products such as extract from various plant species such as acacia, olive and coconut.
Mr Golekanye Madimabe, a businessman based in Molepolole also specialises in selling donkey meat and hides.
He said he tours Botswana buying donkeys and feeds them to improve their quality before slaughtering them and selling their meat and hides to European businessmen. ENDS