Microbiological Evaluation of Raw Milk Handling Practices at Different Rural Dairies in Meerut District, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the microbiological quality and safety of raw milk across various sampling points. Given that milk is a nutrient-dense medium highly vulnerable to microbial contamination, particularly during the milking process, the investigation focused on evaluating raw milk samples collected from multiple rural dairy locations. The primary objective was to examine the influence of milking hygiene practices on microbial quality, with specific emphasis on Standard Plate Count (SPC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC) in these rural dairy settings. Milk samples were collected from rural dairies practicing different levels of hygiene (categorized as good, moderate, and poor) based on predefined parameters such as udder washing, equipment sterilization, and milker hygiene. The samples were analyzed using standard microbial techniques for SPC and TCC. The results indicated a significant correlation between hygiene practices and microbial load. So the poor hygiene approach in dairy products resulted in SPC and TCC value that were higher than allowed, indicating an inflated risk of ruining and promise health issues. The study emphasizes the need for awareness and implementation of hygienic milking protocols to ensure milk safety and shelf life.