Mare's milk

Just had my first taste of mare's milk, fresh from the udder. Can't say I've ever been a fan of body temperature milk, no matter who it's from. But I notice some interesting things that maybe someone can confirm or deny.

Unlike whole cow's milk, which is very thick and creamy, mare's milk seems waterier. I'm thinking it does not have the butter fat content that cow milk does. Does mare milk have cream that will separate to the top?

Can a baby horse survive on cow milk as replacer, and would a baby cow survive on horse milk? Obvioulsy cows produce a lot MORE milk, as it seems the foal only nurses for 30 seconds at a time. Have to wonder what volume of milk she can actually consume in so short a time. But she nurses in very short bursts with long intervals between. Calves are heavier drinkers (booze and bovines have a long history).

THe kid wanted to try mare's milk so milked out about half a cup. We strained off the black gritty bits and gave it a taste. Will probably end up with parasites or something dreadful. It was watery, warm and sweet. BUt I think I'll stick to cow's milk.

We were told a foal does not thrive very well on cows milk, but does excellent on goats milk. Not sure about the rest of your questions. I know a few people who will take a nursing mare with them when they go camping and will drink fresh milk every day from the mare. I myself have never tried it as we always had the milk cows so never had the need.

The fat molecules in goat's milk are smaller than cow's. Whole goat's milk feels like skim cow's milk when you drink it. Maybe that is why foals do better on it.

Another plug for goats milk!!!

karona wrote:Another plug for goats milk!!!

It is supposed to be easier to digest. I read that is why a lot of people start keeping goats.

and I like milk so it's good to have a backup plan.

I once read that mare's milk is very similar to human milk...I think that is what my aunt was raised on at first as her mom died giving birth to her(flu epidemic) and they did not have a milk cow at the time.

MiryCreek, that is quite a story! Someone had to be very dedicated and care very much for your Aunt because milking a horse is not that easy!

The milk sat in the fridge overnight, no cream rose to the top. Hmmm.

Not being a fan of any milk I can't imagine what it would taste like , but up in Russia there are people who milk there mares and depend on the milk for cheese, drink , and If I recall correctly they make a kind of liquor out of it as well ??