The miracle of mare milk
Imagine a world where the key to healthier horses lies in a glass of mare milk.
How can better milk make our economy as healthy as a horse?
At the University of Minnesota Crookston, Assistant Professor Morgan Pyles is leading groundbreaking research that dives into the nutritional wonders of milk made by female horses (also known as mares), exploring its profound implications for foal health and the optimal growth and development of horses throughout their lives.
Understanding these factors could have a profound effect on the state of Minnesota. According to an American Horse Council economic impact study in Minnesota, more than 145,000 horses reside in the state, and the total economic impact of the horse industry is estimated to be $1 billion with the creation of more than 21,000 jobs.
A positive influence on foal development
Mare milk is often overshadowed by cow's milk in agricultural research, but it is gaining attention for its distinctive properties. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins, mare milk has the potential to be a game-changer for foals, particularly in their early days when proper nutrition is critical. Pyles’ research aims to uncover how these nutrients can positively affect foal development, immune function, and overall health.
Pyles has found that changing a mare’s diet affects the milk they produce. For instance, a diet that is higher in sugar and starch leads a mare to produce a higher quantity of milk that is also higher in sugar. In contrast, a diet higher in fat and fiber produces less milk, but the milk is higher in fat content.
“We have to remember that mares are eating for two,” Pyles says. “They’re providing all of the nutrients for themselves and their baby. Foals can be more than 100 pounds when they’re born, so the nutrients their mother is providing them are crucial to their growth and development.”
A healthier life
Understanding the factors that affect milk production and the neonatal development of the foal offers valuable insights that can be applied to other livestock species, such as cattle, sheep, and swine. Pyles says several key aspects of neonatal care in horses parallel the developmental processes in these species, such as immunity, nutrition, and early-life care. Imbalances in nutrition and minerals can lead to medical challenges for the animals, such as developmental orthopedic disease in foals.
“The same nutritional principles, especially when it comes to the balance of minerals and protein, apply to livestock species like cattle and pigs, making horse models valuable for livestock nutritional studies,” she says. “Understanding the role of milk composition can provide insight into the best management practices for both maternal and neonatal care.”
"Morgan's groundbreaking research has not only made an impact at the University of Minnesota Crookston, but its impact extends across the state and world, says University of Minnesota Crookston chancellor Mary Holz-Clause. “Keeping horses healthy is part of our mission, and her studies on the value of nutrition for foals and mares is just the tip of the iceberg of what's possible on our campus."
Mary Holz Clause
Chancellor, University of Minnesota Crookston
Mare’s milk benefits for humans
Mare milk is also emerging as a valuable alternative to cow’s milk for human consumption. Mare’s milk is lower in fat and casein (a milk protein) but higher in lactose and oligosaccharides (a carbohydrate) compared to cow's milk, making it similar in composition to human milk. Because of this, some countries around the world, such as Italy, are using equine milk as a substitute for cow’s milk if someone is allergic to it. Research also suggests mare’s milk may help with gastrointestinal problems such as chronic ulcers, and studies have explored its role in reducing allergic reactions and improving skin conditions like eczema.
“Finding a protein alternative with similar nutritional value is a priority in human medicine,” Pyles says. “Mare’s milk is a promising dairy alternative for humans in many different ways and we’re just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible.” Because of research done by Pyles and others at the University of Minnesota Crookston, the state and the region will be “as healthy as a horse” for decades to come.
“The more we learn about mare milk and its impact on the formative years of a foal, the better we can set horses up for success throughout their lives,” Pyles says.
