Microbiological and compositional quality of raw milk delivered by small scale dairy farmers to the milk collection centres in northern Tanzania

Milk samples were collected from small scale dairy farmers who brought their milk to milk collection centres (MCCs) and vendors in the study area in Tanzania. A total of 310 milk samples were collected. The bacteriological quality, physico-chemical parameters and milk adulteration with sulphonamides and tetracycline drug residues were assessed. Microbiological quality evaluation was done based on TBC, TCC, Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli pathogenic (O157: H7). Milk samples from Turiani and Mlandiz were added for anti-microbial residue analysis. In addition, a survey with semi-structured questionnaires was conducted to assess the knowledge of farmers on clean milk production in the study area. Microbiological analyses were undertaken using Automatic Milk Analyser and Charm EZ technique. Results revealed that 91% of respondents dried cow udders after washing, 75% cleaned milk containers with hot water and 86.7% were using plastic containers to store and transport milk. The mean bacterial counts were within acceptable limits as per EAC standards. E.coli was detected to a level of 54% but no E.coli pathogenic detected. Physico-chemical properties of milk were within acceptable ranges for processing. Tetracycline and sulphonamides drug residues were found in farmers’ milk samples but not vendors. More quality tests such as iodine and alcohol tests are recommended to ensure freedom of milk from adulteration with other materials exeception of water.