Factors influencing somatic cell counts and bacterial contamination in unpasteurized milk obtained from water buffalo in Bangladesh

Abstract

Little has been published on the factors influencing the safety and quality of milk derived from water buffalo in Bangladesh. This study aims to describe the milk hygiene parameters and milk chain characteristics of unpasteurized raw milk sold to consumers in order to improve milk hygiene. A quantitative study design evaluated somatic cell counts, total bacterial counts, and specific gram-negative (Enterobacteria) and gram-positive (staphylococci) pathogens in 377 aseptically collected milk samples. Samples were collected at multiple nodes along the buffalo milk value chain: 122 bulk tank milk samples were collected at the farm level, 109 milk samples at the middlemen level, and 111 milk samples at the milk collection centers. In addition, 35 samples were taken from various milk products at the retail level. It was found that progressively increasing somatic cell counts and bacterial counts, including potential pathogens, occurred along the milk chain. A seasonal increase in spring was found, varying based on the farming system (semi-intensive versus intensive). Other factors included water purity and cleanliness of containers, mixing buffalo and cow’s milk, and the location of the water buffalo milk producer (coastal or river basin). This study demonstrated how improving udder health and milk hygiene along the water buffalo milk value chain would increase the safety and quality of water buffalo milk in the study area.

Pathogen group-specific risk factors for intramammary infection in water buffalo

“…A questionnaire was developed, and the collected data on the farm and animal level information used in the previous two studies to assess the prevalence and risk factors of SCM and bulk milk somatic cell count [ 3 , 23 ] was also used in this study. In these two previous studies, risk factor data was similar but the outcome variable was different than this study.…”

“…Identifying aetiological agents and associated risk factors for IMI is important for developing effective management practices to control buffalo SCM in Bangladesh; these practices may also be applicable in buffalo-concentrated neighboring Asian countries with similar management, e.g., India, Pakistan, Iran, Nepal, and Indonesia [ 19 – 22 ]. To represent the udder health and milk quality in water buffalo, two previous studies have been published in this project describing the prevalence and risk factors of SCM and bulk milk somatic cell count in Bangladesh [ 12 , 23 ]. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of IMI-associated bacterial species and identify risk factors for pathogen group-specific IMI in water buffalo in Bangladesh.…”