Humans have spent centuries researching mammal milk and finding suitable options to be commercialized. Gone are the days when milk options were limited to only cows and buffaloes. Now, most grocery stores carry not only plant-based vegan milk like soy milk and almond milk but also deer milk — the topic of our discussion today.
Deer are one of the most sought-after species when it comes to hunting, but only a few know about the qualities of their milk. If you want to know more about deer milk and its uses, this guide is for you.
Is Deer Milk Even a Thing for Humans?
It might come across as brand new information for a lot of you as it’s not just limited to fawns anymore. In fact, a company named “Pamu” has taken a revolutionary step and decided to commercialize the milk.
The company is well known for its diverse farming and forestry business. After producing lamb milk, sheep milk, goat milk, and cow milk for several years, they have decided to establish a brand new deer milk industry in New Zealand.
The company has put together a herd of 80 red deer that each produce a couple hundred liters of milk each season. They are keen on expanding, but that would obviously depend on the response they get from their consumers.
Currently, Pamu deer milk is only sold in powdered form. They have yet to commercialize a B2C model for nutritional purposes, but they are already sending their product to restaurants and eateries and have also developed their own beauty line with the milk.
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Nutritional Value
Perhaps the most significant USP of milk extracted for deer is its high protein and energy content, not to mention that the quality of the milk is also far superior to other contemporary options.
Deer milk is also known to be better for those that are lactose intolerant because of its high-fat and low lactose composition. The milk is believed to be rich in Vitamin B, A, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc that improve bone health.
However, we still have a long way to go before we can zero in on the nutritional applications of the milk. For instance, Pamu is currently conducting research to understand the influence of the milk on adults over 65. The study will be conducted among 120 women of Asian ethnicity, all above 65, and with normal to low BMIs.
Over a study period of ten weeks, 60 of the women will be given 200ml of milk daily, while the other half will be given regular oral nutrition supplements.
The research aims to study the milk’s impact on body composition, vitamin level, and grip strength.
What Does the Milk Taste Like?
Milk from female deer has a smooth, silky texture and light intensity. Compared to cow milk, the milk is less sweet (due to its low lactose content) but makes up for it with its fatty composition. Experts have described the milk as flavorful — some even find the milk to have a creamier texture that leaves a lingering, rich mouthfeel.
Is It Better Than Cow Milk?
Cow milk has been the number one choice for people all around the world for centuries, so it’s only fair to wonder if deer milk is just as good. Simply put, there’s no correct answer to this question at the moment.
Both deer and cow milk are good options, although they are better suited for different types of people. For instance, cow milk is often preferred for infants because of its close similarity to human breast milk. On the other hand, deer milk is best for people with a weak gut or lactose intolerance, and its high calcium content also makes it suitable for older people with weaker bones.
To conclude, if you want a higher fat and protein content in your milk, go with deer milk. On the contrary, if you like your milk sweet and suitable for your baby, cow milk should be your #1 choice.
Why Is Deer Milk Not as Popular as Cow Milk?
So, we’ve established that it’s delicious and houses multiple nutrients. So, why isn’t it as popular as cow milk?
The problem is the low yield and its inefficient and curtailed distribution process. Currently, there are only a handful of deer farms, while there are hundreds of thousands of cow farms. At the same time, deer produce fewer liters of milk compared to cows.
For instance, a mature female deer can produce no more than a few hundred liters a season, whereas a mature cow can produce approximately 8700 liters within the same time. This makes cow milk farming a lot more profitable than deer farming.
Where Can I Taste One?
Getting your hands on commercial deer milk is slightly challenging, at least right now. If you want to try the milk products, head over to the restaurants that offer the milk dishes.
Here are some places you might want to visit:
- Cocora
- Harbourside
- Cibo Parnell
- The Hunting Lodge
- The Grounds/Baduzzi
What Can You Make With the Milk from Deer?
Pamu supplies deer milk to the restaurants mentioned above, where chefs have been working hard to come up with recipes. So far, they have been able to make ice cream, cheese, yogurt, and desserts like panna cotta and creme brulee.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to try it is a decision you would have to make for yourself, but if you are wondering if experimenting with fresh milk from deer would have any adverse health impacts, the answer is a resounding NO!
Scientific evidence has found the chemical composition of the milk to be completely safe for human consumption. And with the reviews we have on the taste of the deer milk, it doesn’t seem like you’ll regret the experience. Could the milk be the dairy industry’s finest product? Only time will tell!
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