Impact of Clean Milk Production Practices on Total Viable Count and Coliform Count in Raw Milk

Author: A. Elango, V. Jayalalitha and T.R. Pugazhenthi

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Abstract

Milk is a nutrient rich food which is subjected to various contaminations at production level and ensuring the microbial quality is very much essential to safeguard the public. This study aimed to reduce the microbial count at the production level by implementing the good milk production practices. Rural dairy farmers (50) having 4 to 5 cows and dairy farms having 50 to 80 cows were involved in implementing the clean milk production practices. Clean milk production practices viz., milking in separate place, washing of animal and udder, using clean stainless steel utensils, healthy milk man, hand washing before milking, avoid feeding before milking and avoid using lubricant such as oil, water or milk etc. were demonstrated among the participants and implemented across the several constraints. Before and after implementation milk samples were collected hygienically and assessed the total viable count and coliform count. Before adoption, mean total viable count and coliform count of raw milk of farm level and individual farmer level were 9.05 ± 0.06; 9.16 ± 0.25 and 5.21 ± 0.21; 5.15 ± 0.04 log 10 cfu/ml respectively. After a period of 4 weeks of adoption the counts were reduced significantly

Keywords

total viable count, coliform count, clean milk production

Conclusion

The microbial quality of raw milk at individual farmer level and farm level was poor, very hazardous and may be the cause of milk borne diseases. There are several consumers in rural and urban areas of India rely on raw milk for their household needs. If quality of raw milk is not good, it affects the quality of processed milk and milk products too. After the intervention of good milk production practices, it is achieved that reduced total viable count and coliform count in raw milk. But implementing the good hygienic practices among the numerous milk producers is very difficult task. To achieve this, policy makers should implement the standards for procurement viz., remunerative price for the good quality milk, rejection of poor quality milk, monitoring committee at the field level etc. Veterinarians and other field extension staff have to create awareness among the producers about the hygienic practices for good quality milk production and healthy dairy herd. Food safety authority should ensure the quality of raw milk to safeguard the public

References

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How to cite this article

A. Elango, V. Jayalalitha and T.R. Pugazhenthi (2023). Impact of Clean Milk Production Practices on Total Viable Count and Coliform Count in Raw Milk. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 998-1001