Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Raw Milk Produced from Milking to Delivery to Milk Plant

摘要

The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological and physicochemical properties of raw milk in Mazandaran province, Iran, during 6 months from winter 2013 to spring 2014. A total of 253 raw milk samples were collected, from dairy farms, milkcans, milk collection centers, and delivery milk tankers. The samples were analyzed for microbial quality, total plate count (TPC), and physicochemical properties including titrable acidity, pH, content of fat and protein, solids nonfat (SNF) level, specific gravity, percentage of water adulteration, and alcohol testing. The mean of TPC was 48X107 CFU/mL. The higher TPC (23X108 ) was found in Chalous city during winter season. TPC less than 10" was used as a basic standard limit by Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). Significant effect of region was observed on all physicochemical properties except pH (p<0.05). The mean counts of titrable acidity, pH, fat, protein, SNF, specific gravity, and percentage of water adulterationwere 15.38, 6.66, 3.42%, 3.04%, 8.33%, 1.029 and 2.11%, respectively, and alcohol stability result of 22.1% of the samples was positive. It can be assumed that raw milk in the study area had poor bacteriological quality according to the Iranian NationalStandard (ISIRI; therefore, it may be hazardous for human consumption. This finding shows the necessity to implement good hygiene practices.