Mare milk composition: recent findings about protein fractions and mineral content

This review deals with the most recent studies about mare milk composition regarding protein and mineral content and some of their causes of variations. Mare milk is studied for two main purposes: human consumption and nutrition for foals. In particular the studies about milk proteins characterization are summarized. Other studies considered: differences and similarities between human and mare milk regarding main protein fractions, differences in colostrum and milk composition or in milk components trends during lactation in several horse breeds, effects of protein and mineral supplementation of the lactating mare on milk composition. The results of recent trials regarding the effects of mare milk use in the treatment of some health problems in adults are presented. A wide variability appears in milk protein quality, especially where whey protein concentrations are concerned. The considered studies regarding mineral elements in milk confirmed what observed in previous research: supplementing a lactating mare's diet with minerals will have scarce effect on the macro- and microelements levels in her milk.