Influence of season and climatic conditions on mesophilic spore profile of buffalo milk collected under different handling conditions in relation to UHT processing

摘要

The location and climatic conditions related influences on the mesophilic spore population in raw buffalo milk, collected from organized farm, a chilling centre collecting milk from village cooperatives (both being in the same location) and a dairyplant handling about 2 lakh litre milk everyday were studied. Hygienic practices followed by the organized dairy farm lead to lower spore population compared to the other two locations. Season specific effect on spore count was also observed in milk fromvillage cooperatives, winter season giving higher counts compared to other seasons, which may be attributed to housing of animals during winter. In the field conditions (chilling centre and the dairy plant), contamination of milk through various sourceswas found to complicate the data of seasonal variations. However, one common thing found in all the cases was that the stormy weather increased and rain decreased the spore population in raw milk. The region specific effect was also observed. Clean milkproduction with good managemental practices and proper handling of milk is advocated for UHT processing of milk.