protein contents were low and milk protein fraction was rich in whey proteins. β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin were the most important whey proteins detected. Furthermore, donkey milk was found to be richer in the proteose-peptone fraction than cow milk. The high content of lactose can be considered one of the characteristics of this milk. The glycemic index value and the Energy content indicated that donkey milk may be considered a low calorie product, potentially evaluable as an easily digestible and highly bio-available carbohydrate supplement.