An investigation was conducted into the quality parameters of milk from goat breeds in the Elazığ province

The objective of this study was to ascertain the microbiological and physico-chemical properties of raw milk from various goat breeds (Kıl, Halep and Saanen) in Elazığ province. To this end, breeders specializing in the purebred lines of Kıl, Halep and Saanen goats located within the geographical confines of Elazığ were meticulously selected for their manual milking practices. Approximately 1 L of raw milk was procured from the same breeder (2-5 years old and lactation number 1-6) on two occasions per week (Monday and Thursday) during the lactation period. Each sample was collected in the morning after milking and thoroughly homogenized. The raw milk was transferred to the laboratory in a cold chain and stored in the refrigerator (4 ± 1°C) until analysis. A total of 108 raw milk samples from each breed were analyzed, with 10 samples analyzed in April, 8 in May, 8 in June, and 10 in July. The arithmetic mean (log10kob/mL) of total mesophilic aerobes was 5.43, 5.73, and 6.07, respectively. Likewise, the arithmetic mean of total psychrotroph aerobes was 2.76, 3.00, and 3.47, respectively. Furthermore, the arithmetic mean of coliforms was 1.54, 1.79, and 2.15, respectively. Finally, the arithmetic mean of Enterobacteriaceae was 2.44, 2.72, and 3.13, respectively. The following microorganisms were identified: Staphylococcus-Micrococcus 2.77, 3.00, 3.26; yeast-mold 1.75, 1.88, 2.09; fecal streptococci 1.81, 1.95, 2.32; Lactobacillus-Leuconostoc-Pediococcus (LLP) 3.89, 4.33, 4.24; and lactic streptococci 3.96, 4.33, 4.48. The pH values were determined to be 6.59, 6.53, 6.44; acidity (SH) 8.97, 9.51, 10.23; ash 0.75%, 0.78%, 0.74%; fat 3.99%, 3.61%, 3.21%; gravity (m/v) 1.032, 1.031, 1.029; protein 3.91%, 3.70%, 3.22%; freezing point (°C) -0.552, -0.549, -0.546; fat free dry matter 10.30%, 11.32%, 11.66%; acetic acid (mL/L) 14.87, 17.14, 20.03; butyric 3-OH acid (mL/L) 27.06, 29.26, 31.95; lactic acid (mL/L) 323.68, 361.72, 407.33; propionic acid (mL/L) 156.59, 248.40, 141.44; somatic cell count/mL 274.65, 295.52, 339.25. It was determined that all goat milks were contaminated with 30%-90% E.coli and 40%-90% S.aureus bacteria. A general observation revealed that the results of microbiological analyses and the quantities of organic acids (acetic acid, butyric acid and lactic acid) detected in raw milk from all goat breeds during the summer months (June and July) were higher than those detected in spring (April and May). It was determined that the acidity-SH, fat, protein, non-fat dry matter and somatic cell count data of raw milk from Saanen goats did not comply with the established standards. This finding was particularly pronounced when compared to the analysis data of raw milk from Kıl and Halep goats. In order to ensure the procurement of quality and reliable raw milk, it is imperative that milk producers and operators receive comprehensive training on critical issues, including the protection of animal health, hygienic milking methods, and the proper storage and transportation of raw milk within the cold chain.