Microbiological Assessment of Cow Milk under Traditional Management Practices in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies on the microbiological quality of milk obtained from traditionally managed cows in Ado-Ekiti were carried out. The samples were screened for total bacteria count, total Coliform, yeasts and moulds. Ten (10) bacterial species, comprising both gram negative and gram positive organisms were isolated, characterized and identified in thirteen out of fifteen milk samples in this study. Bacillus cereus recorded the highest percentage occurrence (46.7%) isolated from seven samples while Cellulomenas flavigena, Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus recorded the lowest percentage occurrence (6.7%) having being isolated from one sample each. Yeasts and moulds were not isolated in any sample. The isolation of the various microorganisms in the milk samples is of health significance. The results showed that 87% of the raw milk samples were of poor category thus indicating a deplorable state of hygiene and poor production condition during and after milking.