ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIAL QUALITY OF FARM BUFFALO MILK

Abstract

The microbial quality of farm buffalo milk was evaluated during this study. A total of 75 milk samples 25 each of fresh, bulk and transportation tank milk were screened for total viable count, coliform count, yeast and mould, and aerobic spore-former count. The results showed that the average TVC (5.51 log CFU/mL), coliform (5.45 log CFU/mL), yeast and mould (3.69 log CFU/mL) and spore former count (2.66 log CFU/mL) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in transportation tank milk samples, followed by bulk tank samples (5.29, 4.37, 3.60 and 2.59 log CFU/mL) and fresh milk samples (4.74, 3.51, 3.48 and 1.76 log CFU/mL). It was concluded from the findings of present investigation that average total viable count, coliform, yeast and mould, and aerobic spore former counts were higher in transportation tank milk as compared to fresh and bulk tank milk samples.

Keywords

• microbiological quality
• hygiene
• buffalo milk