Abstract:
The bacteriological quality of milk at different levels of collection was studied. Samples were collected in sterile containers at quarterly intervals. The samples were analysed for total vibal count, methylene blue reduction test (MBRT) and California mastitis test (CMT). Subclinical mastitis was found in 23.8 percent of the animals. The average methylene blue reduction time decreased from the farm to the processing unit. The average counts were 2.67x104, 1.59x104, 9.23x105 and 2.35x106 cfu/ml at farmers' field, milking utensils, collection centers and receiving dock (processing point), respectively. The milking methods, milk containers and time interval from the collection at the udder level to the receiving dock played a major role in the deterioration of the milk quality along with the climatic conditions prevalent in a particular season.
