Evaluation of Total Coliform Counts in Non-Fermented and Fermented Cow Milk Products (Kindirmo, Mai-Shanu and Nono) in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria

Testing for coliforms has a long history in dairy production, and has helped to identify the unsanitary condition of unpasteurized and pasteurized milk products. The study was performed to evaluate the level of coliform bacterial contamination in raw cow milk and milk products (kindirmo, mai-shanu, and nono). A total of 426 samples comprising 106 raw milk, 106 kindirmo, 106 mai-shanu and 108 nono were obtained from four selected Fulani herds (Damari, Marwa, Tudun-Muntsira, and Wuciciri) and four milk markets (Kasuwan-Mata, Kwangila, Samaru and Tudun-Wada) in Zaria Metropolis, all samples were tested using the bacteriological method. Coliform counts were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Tukey package and recorded as mean coliform counts (CFU/ML). The overall mean coliform counts for the milk products (raw milk, kindirmo, mai-shanu, and nono) were 98.88 ± 7.68 x 108 CFU/ML, 60.19 ± 5.49 x 108 CFU/ML, 60.36 ± 5.50 x 108 CFU/ML and 73.5 ± 7.09 x 108 CFU/ML respectively. The mean coliform counts for raw milk were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) from the three products (kindirmo, mai-shanu and nono). The study revealed heavy coliform bacterial load, ranging between 60.19 ± 5.49 x 108 CFU/ML and 98.88 ± 7.68 x 108 CFU/ML. This study calls for educating farmers and milk retailers at different levels level of production on the hygienic way of handling milk along the value chain to minimize unnecessary contamination of milk and milk products which can be of public health significance.