VADODARA: Gujarat’s breed of indigenous donkeys will have its own milk dairy! And, to shock you further, this donkey milk — truly liquid gold — fetches the world’s costliest price of Rs 7,000 per litre! Now, isn’t this worth braying about? But before you wrinkle your nose, here’s another prized piece of information: In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra is said to have taken baths in donkey milk to preserve her legendary beauty and youth. Known to contain anti-ageing, antioxidant and regenerating compounds, donkey milk is indeed precious. Thanks to its indigenous Halari breed of donkey, a breed which is mainly found in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region only, Gujarat aims to add the beast of burden to its list of milch animals and literally milk riches. The National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE) has embarked upon an innovative project to start a donkey milk dairy in Haryana’s Hisar. Two years ago the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), the nodal agency of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for registration of new breeds had granted independent breed statue to Halari- the second donkey breed- to be recognised in the country and the first one from Gujarat. For the milk project, the donkeys are currently undergoing breeding at hissar. College of veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, AAU, the directorate of animal husbandry of Gujarat government and Bhuj-kutch-based Sahjeevan Trust had collaborated for NBAGR’s national recognition of the breed. A litre of donkey milk which is known for its nutraceutical and therapeutic properties costs upto 7000 rupees. Globally, many firms sell cosmetic products like soaps, skin gels, face wash- all made from donkey milk as niche products as it is known to contain compounds that keep the skin hydrated and prevent wrinkles. Source:The Times of India, 08 Sep 2020, If you feel this information is useful to you, like and share it with your friends.