Determination of The Suitability to European Union and Turkish Standards of Fat Ratios in Cow Milk Obtained from Kirklareli Province

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine the suitability of the total fat means of milk obtained from cows raised in Kırklareli province with reference values of European Union (EU) and Turkish Standards (TS) during the summer season. For this purpose, the fat means obtained were compared with the reference values required for both standards with the help of the one-sample T-test. It has been determined that the fat content of milk obtained from Kırklareli province is not in compliance with EU and Turkish Standards. It was observed that an average value below the minimum level specified in the said standards (EU reference value at least 3.6%, TS reference value at least 3.5%) was obtained (P <0.01). Fat mean (3.02%) of cow milk obtained from Kırklareli province during the summer season was not found suitable and healthful also economical for the production of milk and milk products for Turkish and EU Standards. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, appropriate feeding programs should be prepared and environmental conditions should be taken into consideration in order to increase the milk fat ratio of cows raised in Kırklareli Province of Turkey.