Microbiological Quality of Dairy Cattle Products

Aims: To determine the chemical properties (pH, titratable acidity) and microbiological qualities of fresh cow milk and traditional cultured skimmed (defatted) milk (nono) and full fat or partially skimmed cultured milk (kindirmo) in Bida local government area of Niger State, Nigeria.

Study Design: To assess the microbial load of dairy cattle products.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from local farmers in Madobia and Project quarters in Bida Local Government, Nigeria. Analyze at laboratories of Microbiology Department of Federal University of Technology, Minna and Federal Polytechnic, Bida between September 2011 and December 2012.

Methodology: Ninety samples of fresh milk, nono and kindirmo obtained from two areas in Bida Local Government Area were analyzed to determine their pH, titratable acidity, microbial properties (Total viable count, Fungal count, Staphylococcal count, Coliform count) and antibiogram of pathogenic organisms isolated from the samples. Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: The results obtained showed that the pH of nono was more acidic than other milk products. The total viable count ranged log106.02-6.36cfu/ml, coliform count log10 6.02-6.57cfu/ml, staphylococcal count log10 6.10-6.57cfu/ml; fungal count log10 4.49-5.10cfu/ml respectively. The microorganism isolated included Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Notably S. aureus and A. flavus were frequently isolated (60.1% and 44% respectively). The antibiogram of pathogenic organisms isolated from the dairy cattle products showed that E. faecalis and S. aureus were sensitive to gentamicin (10µg) and streptomycin (30µg).

Conclusion: The growth of these pathogenic organisms in local dairy cattle products is a reflection of poor sanitary practices in the production of fresh milk and its products. This high microbial load in cow milk and its product may pose a great public health concern and therefore calls for public awareness campaign.