Standard plate count in raw of different pre-hand milking treatments by using aqueous solution of turmeric as udder wash in cross-bred cows

Abstract

The quality of milk is crucial for ensuring safety and nutritional value in dairy products, and the Standard Plate Count (SPC) serves as a key indicator of microbial load. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aqueous turmeric solutions as pre-milking udder washes on the bacteriological quality of raw milk in cross-bred cows at SHUATS Dairy Farm, Prayagraj. Twelve healthy cows, free from mastitis, were subjected to four treatments: T0 (control, washed with water), T1 (20g turmeric/1L water), T2 (30g turmeric/1L water), and T3 (40g turmeric/1L water). Milk samples were collected post-treatment and analyzed for SPC using nutrient agar medium. Results indicated that SPC values ranged from 30 to 48 (103) per mL, with mean values of 42.70, 37.00, 34.30, and 32.30 for T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. ANOVA analysis confirmed that differences in SPC were statistically significant, with T3 exhibiting the lowest count at 32.30 (103) SPC/mL. These findings demonstrate that the application of turmeric in higher concentrations effectively reduces bacterial contamination in raw milk. Consequently, utilizing turmeric-based washes may represent a viable, natural alternative to chemical sanitizers, enhancing milk hygiene and quality in dairy production. This study underscores the importance of optimizing pre-milking hygiene practices to improve overall dairy quality and consumer safety.