The present study is primarily aimed at assessing the physico chemical properties of cow milk samples sold by dairy farms and milk vendors in Dire Dawa Town. A total of 30 cow milk samples were collected and examined. The mean values for pH, specific gravity, titratable acidity, protein, fat, total solids and solids-not-fat contents of milk samples collected from dairy farms were 6.627±0.135, 1.030±0.001, 0.165±0.022% lactic acid, 3.42±0.139%, 3.862±0.412%, 12.575±0.635% and 8.75±0.301% respectively. However, the corresponding values for milk vendors were 6.43±0.062, 1.025±0.001, 0.195±0.009% lactic acid, 3.274±0.083%, 3.85±0.284%, 12±0.572% and 8.15±0.308%. On the other hand, the respective values for pasteurized milk were 6.65±0.070, 1.031±0.0007, 0.15±0.014% lactic acid, 3.05±0.098%, 3.7±0.141%, 10.8±0.282% and 7.1±0.141% respectively. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found for the values of total solids, solids not-fat and protein between the sources of milk samples. The present study showed that dairy farm milk producers and milk vendors follow poor milk handling practices.
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