Vol. 10, Special Issue 10, Part A (2025)

Author(s): Manishkumar P Parmar, Akashkumar K Solanki, Tanmay Hazra and Miteshkumar N Hingu

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the compositional quality and preliminary microbiological quality of cow milk sold in Amreli city. Fifty raw cow-milk samples were collected from retail points (milk vendors, dairy shops, and small producers) and analysed for fat content, solids-not-fat (SNF), and methylene blue reduction time (MBRT). Thirteen samples (26%) had fat content below the prescribed FSSAI requirement of 3.2% for cow milk. Eight samples (16%) had SNF below the prescribed standard. Twenty-one samples (42%) showed MBRT ? 30 minutes, indicating elevated microbial activity. The results suggest significant non-compliance with compositional standards and frequent microbiological deterioration at the point of sale, pointing to issues in handling, adulteration, or cooling chain lapses. Recommendations include strengthened monitoring, vendor training on hygiene and cold-chain improvements, and follow-up microbiological culture testing.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i10Sa.2607