Study the total microbial load, coliform, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and mold and yeast and Amyloid A concentration in bulk milk samples of animal farms of Tehran province

Evaluation of the microbial quality of raw milk is very important due to the increasing consumption of milk and the possibility of its converting into dairy products. The study of microbial load of raw milk and the evaluation of acute phase proteins can provide accurate information on the hygienic conditions and quality of raw milk. The present study was done to evaluate the microbial load and amyloid A measurement in bulk milk samples of animal farms of Tehran province. At first, 90 raw milk samples were collected and transferred to the laboratory. Somatic cell count of milk samples was done by electronic fluorescence. Then, total microbial, coliform, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and mold and yeast counts were done. Amyloid A concentration in raw milk samples was determined using ELISA method. Mean count of total microbes, coliform, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and mold and yeast were 15×105, 12×104, 29×103, 14×103 and 18×105 CFU/ml, respectively. Total microbial count in 72.23% of tested samples were higher than limit standard. Mean of somatic cell count was 3×105 cells in milliliter milk which were higher than limit standard in 61.11% of milk samples. Mean and standard deviation of amyloid A in milk samples was 551.83 ±47.96 ng/ml milk. The results of the present study show the relative quality of milk samples of animal farms of Tehran province. High number of somatic cells and also the concentration of amyloid A in raw milk samples indicate the possibility of occurrence of subclinical mastitis in the target cows.