Our Research
Deer Milking New Zealand has engaged the services of Callaghan Innovation, as well as support from the health and nutrition industry, to analyse deer milk composition.
Our research has uncovered some unique and interesting nutritional findings that suggest deer milk is a superior
high value nutrition product.
High Fat Characteristics
Uniquely, Deer Milk is 25% milk solids, compared to other milks which are 8-10% solids. Half of the solid content is milk fat.
Our research has uncovered that deer milk is a naturally rich source of bioactive lipid compounds including omega fatty acids, phospholipids and gangliosides that are believed to play an important role in brain development and immune response.
The high % of quality fat in deer milk suggests that the complex lipid composition could be a better source of “good fat” nutrients than other milks or other natural fat sources.
High Quality Protein
Deer milk contains more than twice the amount of protein than cows milk, and also higher % of protein than both sheep and goats milk. Nutritional analysis also suggests deer milk has a richer source of quality protein than other dairy, meat and plant sources. We have also discovered deer milk has some unique bioactives not seen in other protein sources, ultimately positioning deer milk as a truly rare and unique high value nutritional ingredient with multiple health benefits.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a highly regarded ingredient in supplements and nutrition products and has scientific basis for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is often isolated and extracted from the source and is commonly used in infant health , the elderly and the critically ill for immune support.
From our compositional research, deer milk exhibited high levels of lactoferrin throughout the entire season, up to 9 times higher than cows milk.
Vitamins and Minerals
The composition of deer milk suggest it is a natural source of specific vitamins and minerals important for optimal health, including;
Calcium + Magnesium
Deer milk analysis showed that deer milk is a rich source of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium.
Vitamin B
A natural source of Riboflavin (B2) and B12 which supports metabolism and body tissue health.
Zinc
A natural source of zinc which supports immune health, anti-inflammatory support and can help with skin concerns like acne and skin damage.
Other
Compositional analysis suggests many other superior results across the unique profile of deer milk.