Abstract

MARISCAL, P.C.A; IBANEZ, R.A  and  GUTIERREZ, M.F.D. Características Microbiológicas de Leche Cruda de Vaca en Mercados de Abasto de Trinidad Bolivia. Rev.Cient.Agro.Amaz. [online]. 2013, vol.1, n.2, pp. 18-24. ISSN 2307-9606.

ABSTRACT To determine the microbiological characteristics of raw cow's milk, samples were taken from every shop located in Trinidad's markets.The count of organisms was made by the Plate Count Method in the growth medium Plate Count Agar foraerobic mesophillic bacteria (BMA), and in MacConkey Agar for coliforms (OC). The results showed an average of 109,286 cfu/ml BMA and also 78,576 cfu/ml OC in raw milk. Moreover, 64.3% of milk samples were classified as milk Class I (<100,000 cfu/ml BMA); 35.7% Class II (101,000 to 300,000 cfu/ml BMA) and 100% of the samples above 200 cfu/ml OC. Then, 28.6% of these were between the natural range of pH (6.6 to 6.8) and 71.4% were slightly acidic. All samples (100%) showed a temperature above what recommended for conservation. Also, the organoleptic properties were observed, 14.3% showed sediments, 42.9% tasted a little acidic, 100% presented a typical color and 42.9% smelled as vinegar. Finally, it was concluded that the Trinidad's markets sell raw cow's milk wich microbiological parameters exceed those required for marketing. In adition, the milk does not meet the quality parameters and safety recommended for human consumption.

Keywords : aerobic mesophillic bacteria; coliforms; milk quality.