Evaluation of raw milk quality from multipurpose cow in Jos, Nigeria

This study aimed to access the milk yield and quality of White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali cows in Jos North and South Local Government Areas of Plateau State Nigeria. A total of one hundred (100) respondents were interviewed and subsequently milk samples were collected for laboratory analysis, microbial quality assessment and milk composition. The results showed majority of the respondent were males of varying ages with 34% attaining secondary education. Moisture content, fat and nitrogen-free extracts were significant (P<0.05) between the two breeds while the other parameters were not significant (P>0.05). Total bacterial count (TBC) and Total coliform count (TCC) of White Fulani were higher in Jos North than south (3.8x 105 and 2.9x105) while Sokoto Gudali breeds had higher values of total bacterial counts in Jos North than Jos South. Bacillus spp, Escherichia and Webseilla aerogenes are the most dominant bacteria in White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali cows’ milk. This study concludes that poor quality of cow milk results from unhygienic practices and animal husbandry at farm level which predispose famers, consumers and the public to the risk of contracting milk borne zoonotic infection and associated bacterial resistance.