Bacteriological quality of raw camel milk along the market value chain in Fafen zone, Ethiopian Somali regional state

Abstract

BackgroundThe camel is a multipurpose animal with a huge productive potential. Camel milk is a key food in arid and semi-arid areas of the African and Asian countries. The quality of milk is influenced by different bacteria present in milk. This study was conducted to evaluate total bacterial content in raw camel milk along the market chain in Fafen zone, Ethiopian Somali Regional State.MethodsOne hundred twenty-six raw camel milk samples were collected from Gursum (47.1 %) and Babile (52.9 %) districts. The three sampling levels included were udder (14.7 %), milking bucket (29.4 %) and market (55.9 %). Milk samples were analyzed for total bacterial counts (TBC) and coliform counts (CC). Furthermore, major pathogens were isolated and identified.Result108 (85.7 %) of raw camel milk samples demonstrated bacterial contamination. The overall mean TBC and CC of contaminated raw camel milk samples was 4.75 ± 0.17 and 4.03 ± 0.26 log CFU/ml, respectively. TBC increased from udder to market level and was higher in Gursum compared to Babile district (P < 0.05). Around 38.9 % of TBCs and 88.2 % CCs in contaminated raw camel milk samples were in the range considered unsafe for human utility. Staphylococcus spp. (89.8 %), Streptococcus spp. (53.7 %), E. coli (31.5 %), Salmonella spp. (17.6 %), Klebsiella spp. (5.6 %) and Enterobacter spp. (5.6 %) were the major bacterial microorganisms isolated.ConclusionThe majority of the bacterial isolates in this study showed high incidence in market as compared to production level. These results indicate a lack of compliance with good production practices and hygiene at milking, transportation and market of raw camel milk.

Comparison of the hypoglycemic and antithrombotic (anticoagulant) actions of whole bovine and camel milk in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats

“…We undertook a standard plate count of aerobic bacteria using the pour plate method (Abera et al, 2016) and expressing the count in colony-forming units per milliliter (cfu/mL). Camel and bovine milk contained 2.9 and 3.1 log 10 cfu/mL, respectively.…”

Bacterial isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance, hemolytic activity, and high 16S rRNA gene similarity with well‐known pathogens found in camel milk samples of Riyadh region

“…However, with the exception of one or two reports from the region to the best of our knowledge, detailed studies on the microorganisms associated with camel milk are almost missing especially from Saudi Arabia. This study aimed at identifying the culturable microbial community associated with camel milk using molecular approaches.…”

“…As far as camel milk from Saudi Arabia is concerned, not many detailed studies on the milk‐associated bacteria are available. Few studies have reported colony‐forming units, lactic acid bacteria, or coliforms in camel milk using conventional methods . Very few studies on the PCR‐based detection of the pathogens such as Brucella in camel milk are also available .…”

Microbial Quality and Safety of Traditional Fermented Camel Milk Product Suusac Sampled from Different Regions in North Eastern, Kenya

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