Microbiological Quality of Raw Camel Milk in Degahbour District of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia ()
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate microbiological
quality of raw camel milk in Degahbour district. A total of 40
pooled raw camel milk samples (each with a volume of 450 mL) were collected
from the udders and milk handling equipment of producers in Degahbour district.
The raw milk samples were subjected to laboratory analyses to
evaluate standard plate counts (SPC), total coliform count (TCC) yeast and
mold count (YMC) to determine the microbiological quality of the raw camel milk in the study
area. The overall mean SPC, CC and YMC
for raw camel milk samples collected from the udder was 5.35 ± 0.19, 2.59 ± 0.16 and 1.71 ± 0.12, respectively. The overall mean counts for samples collected from the
equipment of producers were 6.72 ± 0.17, 4.71 ± 0.23 and 1.61 ± 0.21 for SPC, CC and YMC, respectively.
Significant difference (P < 0.05) in mean SPC, TCC and YMC was observed
between milk samples collected from pastoral and agro-pastoral production
systems as well as collected from udders and milk equipment. In general, it was concluded that raw camel milk samples collected from
the udder as well as from the
equipment of producers were contaminated with SPC, CC and YMC, with loads exceeding the respective acceptable
limits. Therefore, hygienic production
and postharvest handling practices need to be followed to improve the quality and suitability of camel milk
for its intended use in the study area.
Share and Cite:
Hassen, M. and Amentie, T. (2022) Microbiological Quality of Raw Camel Milk in Degahbour District of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia.
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
12, 226-238. doi:
10.4236/ojas.2022.122017.