Determination of the Chemical and Proximate Properties of Fresh Milk Samples from Small Holder Dairy Cows and Large Mechanized Dairy Cows in Parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Chemical and Proximate composition of different raw fresh milk samples from small holder dairy cows and large mechanized dairy cows in Zaria and Kaduna in Kaduna State, Nigeria were determined using standard methods and EDRXF spectrophotometer. The mean values of the pH based on farm locations ranged between 6.71±0.03 – 6.81±0.02 and the titratable acidity ranged from 0.15±0.04 – 0.17±0.03. From the various farms, while the mean values of the proximate composition of milk from the various farms ranged from 86.30±0.01 – 87.94±0.04 for moisture up to 12.51±0.01 – 13.82±0.01 for Total solids. Based on the different farm management locations, the proximate values for moisture ranged from 86.38±0.01 –87.25±0.18 while that of Total solids ranged from 12.96±0.12 – 13.49±0.02. The statistical analysis of the obtained result at 0.05 probability value showed significant differences between pH values, between acidity values as well as in the values of the proximate characteristics from the different farm locations which were attributable to the differences in the farm management practices.