Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of cow's milk produced at Las Mercedes farm, Managua, Nicaragua

Abstract

The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of milk determine the quality of milk products and their use in agroindustry. The objective of this study was based on the identification of the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of milk produced at the Las Mercedes farm of the National Agrarian University. A sample of 10 cows was used to compare the results with the nicaraguan mandatory technical standard for raw milk. The results of the physicochemical and microbiological analyses indicate that the percentages of titratable acidity are normal; the pH value in february showed the best result but did not meet the minimum requirements; the density showed normal behavior in february, march and april (1.030 kg L^-1),  however, in the month of May a value below the norm was recorded (1.003 kg L^-1); the percentage of total solids is below the acceptable level, while the percentage of non-fat solids is normal. The percentage of fat was normal in april and may; the percentages of protein obtained are below the average that milk should present, the results of the methylene blue reduction time test of the milk classified it as type B, presenting a microbial load ≤ 1 000 000 CFU ml^-1. The mastitis test was negative. Although some characteristics of the milk are below the values established in nicaraguan mandatory technical standard 03 027-17, the milk could be used in agroindustrial processes.