Abstract:
This study was aimed to investigate physicochemical properties and microbial load of raw cow
milk of Jimma city. To study the parameters 20 raw cow milk samples were purposively
collected from milk venders twice in a day, in the morning and evening. Standard analytical
methods were used for analysis of physicochemical and microbial load of the raw milk. The
obtained data analyzed by SPSS-20 statistical software. The physicochemical parameters such as
percentage of fat, protein, and ash of the studied milks were within the recommended ranges,
whereas their pH was below the recommended ranges for all studied milks. The total bacteria
count of Merkato, Kochi, Frustale and Jimma University were (7.00 ± 0.17, 6.57 ± 0.05, 6.94 ±
023 and 6.56 ± 0.10) log10cfu/mL, respectively. Total coliform counts also were recorded greater
than recommended values. One way ANOVA (p<0.05) was used to compare the variation of the
parameters among the milk venders. The obtained results showed that there were no significant
differences (P > 0.05) in specific gravity, ash and yeast and mould count of the collected raw
cow milk. But, exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) in temperature, pH, titrable acidity,
total solids, solids not fat, protein, fat, lactose, total bacteria count and coliform count. Therefore,
it is possible to conclude that the microbial load of raw cow milk in the study area was not safe
and this suggests the need for enriched hygienic practices and educating the public on safety
issues.
