Abstract

MICROBIAL QUALITY OF RAW COW MILK SAMPLE COLLECTED FROM UPPARAPALAYAM AND AARIKKAMEDU VILLAGES OF THIRUVALLUR DISTRICT, TAMILNADU, SOUTH INDIA

Kavitha*

ABSTRACT

Milk of cows has long been considered a highly nutritious and valuable human food, and is consumed by million daily in a variety of different products. Milk being nutritious food for human beings, also serves as a good medium for the growth of many microorganisms. Raw milk, as it leaves the udders of healthy animals normally contains very low numbers of microorganism. This study was aimed at determining the microbial quality of raw milk of cows collected from Upparapalayam and Aarikkamedu villages of Thiruvallur District, TamilNadu. Dairy cattle raised under different systems of rearing were identified and classified into three group’s viz., Housed under the sky, Housed in mud flooring shed, Housed in concrete flooring shed. The indigenous dairy cows, cross bred cows and buffaloes were grouped separately and thirty three animals represented for each group. Methylene blue reduction test (MBRT) and microbiological quality of each sample was analyzed using standard procedures. The MBRT values, Standard plate count and total coliforms were significantly above the normal recommended levels were observed in the current study. This may be due to poor milk handling practices during milking, poor animal health services, and use of poor potable water. High microbial counts and the occurrence of pathogens are likely to affect the keeping quality and safety of raw milk as well as products derived from it. The achievement of hygiene in dairy farm directly influences the production oriented economic results and health safety perspectives in human beings. It is therefore critically important to ensure high quality raw milk production from healthy animals under good hygienic conditions and to apply control measures to protect human health.

Keywords: Raw milk, Methylene blue reduction test, Coliforms, Standard plate count.