Determination of some quality characteristics of raw milk samples collected from dairy farms in TR71 region

This study was carried out to determine the milk quality charateristics of milk obtained from TR71 Region. To do that, the raw milk samples were collected from 22 milk collection bulks in Kırşehir, Aksaray, Nevşehir ve Niğde provinces between November 2013 and September 2014. The effects of dairy farm, province and season on milk components were examined. In the study, mean fat, protein, solids-non-fat (SNF), density, refractive index, pH, acidity (°SH), conductivity and water participation rate were found as 3.62±0.010 %, 3.22±0.029 %, 8.32±0.008 %, 27.47±0.035 g/cm3, 9.55±0.006, 6.45±0.009, 9.98±0.071, 2.90±0.007 and 1.55±0.057%, respectively. The highest fat (P=0.002), SNF (P=0.011), density (P=0.014), refractive index (P<0.001) were determined in Kırşehir province. While the highest pH was determined in Kırşehir, but the lowest in Nevşehir (P<0.001); accordingly lowest °SH was found in Kırşehir, and the highest in Nevşehir province (P<0.001). Differences among provinces for protein and conductivity values were statistically insignificant. Fat, protein and refractive index values within the milk quality characteristics, were consistent with Turkish Food Codex; but SNF, density, pH and °SH were out of the limits specified in the relevant notification. In conclusion, it can be said that the best quality raw milks in respect to milk components were produced in Kırşehir province.