Cow's Milk Cheese Research Articles

A comparative biochemical study of two industrially produced short-ripened cow's milk cheeses with PDO status: Rennet-curd Tetilla cheese and acid-curd Cebreiro cheese

The aim of this study was to characterise industrial Tetilla and Cebreiro Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Spanish cheeses from a biochemical point of view and to relate some of the biochemical parameters to the cheesemaking process. Some differences in the amounts of organic acids and free amino acids between the two types of cheese were attributed to milk characteristics and the processing technology. The most abundant volatile compounds in both types of cheese were ethanol, isopropanol and diacetyl. The simple and nonspecific volatile profiles of the cheeses appear to be related to the commercial mesophilic DL-starters used in the manufacturing process.

Role of microorganisms present in dairy fermented products in health and disease.

Role of microorganisms present in dairy fermented products in health and disease.

Minerals and Lactic Acid Contents in Buffalo Milk Cheddar Cheese; a Comparison with Cow

The aim of the study was to compare the minerals and lactic acid profile of Cheddar cheese prepared from cow and buffalo milk. Milks standardized at 4% fat level were used to prepare Cheddar cheese. The cheese was prepared and stored for 120 days ripening at 4°C. Chemical composition and minerals contents were determined at one month intervals during ripening. Lactic acid concentration was estimated after 2 and 4 months of ripening. The results revealed that cheese from buffalo milk had significantly higher level of fat, protein, ash, lactose and lactic acid contents as compared to that prepared from cow milk. Sodium, calcium and potassium contents were also considerably higher in the cheese prepared from buffalo milk. During ripening, significant decrease in lactose and pH value, while increase in acidity and lactic acid contents was observed. However, ripening did not influence the minerals profile of the cheese. It was accomplished that buffalo milk Cheddar cheese is nutritionally superior to cow milk cheese.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Arcobacter species in cow milk, water buffalo milk and fresh village cheese

In this study, the presence of Arcobacter spp. was examined in cow milk (n=50), water buffalo (WB) milk (n=50) and fresh village cheese (n=50) samples. The 16S rDNA-RFLP method was used for the identification of Arcobacter spp. The disc diffusion method was used to investigate the susceptibility of all strains identified to 18 different antimicrobial substances. The most commonly isolated Arcobacter species were found to be Arcobacter butzleri (38.89%), Arcobacter cryaerophilus (22.23%) and Arcobacter skirrowii (11.12%) in cow milk; A. cryaerophilus (33.33%), Arcobacter cibarius (20.83%) and A. butzleri (12.50%) in WB milk; and A. skirrowii (28.57%), A. butzleri (21.43%) and A. cryaerophilus (14.29%) in fresh village cheese. This is the first study to identify the presence of Arcobacter nitrofigilis, Arcobacter cloacae, Arcobacter halophilus, Arcobacter bivalviorum and A. cibarius species in analyzed samples. It was found that all of the A. cryaerophilus (n:16) isolates were resistant to cefoperazone, cloxacillin and penicillin G; all of the A. skirrowii (n:12) and A. butzleri (n:10) isolates were resistant to cefoperazone, tetracycline, ampicillin, erythromycin, cloxacillin and penicillin G. It was concluded that cow milk, WB milk and fresh village cheese samples are an important source of Arcobacter species and pose a risk to public health.

Determination of relationships between milk composition and cheese yield using principal component analysis and logit model.

Cheese yield is affected by many factors including milk quality and composition. The application of a factor analysis method, so called Principal Components Analysis (PCA), has the final goal of establishing and analyzing those variables which influence in a meaningful way the cheese yield. The study was focused on a set of dates regarding the cow, buffalo, ewe and goat milk constituents and cheese, available in the related work. The data was then used in a principal component analysis, identifying such a number of 5 variables involved in cheese yield and also variables which determine the different textures.

Biochemical, microbial and sensory evaluation of white soft cheese made from cow and lupin milk

The aim of the present study was to evaluate some physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of fresh and matured (75 days) soft cheeses made with mixtures of cow milk and 0, 25, 50 and 75 mL/100 mL of lupin milk. A remarkable increase in cheese yield was observed with increasing the level of lupin milk to the mixture. Compared to cow milk cheese, the protein content was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased while ash was decreased with the increase in the level of lupin milk for both fresh and matured cheese. However, fat content, total solids and acidity were increased only for fresh cheese and decreased for mature one compared to that of cow milk. The pH showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction when the levels of lupin milk increased for fresh cheese while for matured cheese it slightly decreased. The total bacterial count is within the range that naturally exists in milk containing foods. The others microorganisms such as fungi, mold, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella were not existed in both types of cheese. Regardless of cheese color, incorporation of lupin milk at low concentration (25 mL/100 mL) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced the taste, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability of both fresh and mature cheese.

Prevalence of yersinia species in traditional and commercial dairy products in isfahan province, iran.

Background:Yersinia species, especially Yersinia enterocolitica, are considered as the most prevalent milk-borne pathogens. Several serological and molecular techniques have been developed for rapid and safe diagnosis of yersiniosis.Objectives:This study was carried out to assess the prevalence rate of Yersinia species, especially Y. enterocolitica, in milk and dairy products in Isfahan province, Iran.Materials and Methods:A total of 285 commercial and traditional dairy products as well as 267 pasteurized and raw milk samples were collected during one year. The samples were studied by culturing and the positive-culture samples were investigated using PCR techniques.Results:The results of culture showed that 52 (9.42%) and 28 (5.07%) of the total 552 milk and dairy samples were positive for presences of Yersinia species and Y. enterocolitica, respectively. Totally, 24 of 28 Y. enterocolitica isolates by culture were positive in PCR test (4.59%). Raw cow milk and traditional cheese had the highest prevalence of Yersinia species and Y. enterocolitica, respectively. There were no positive results for pasteurized cow milk, raw camel milk, commercial ice cream, commercial cheese, yoghurt, Doogh, butter and curd. Yersinia species and Y. enterocolitica had the highest prevalence in autumn (15.15% and 10.6%, respectively). Significant differences regarding P < 0.05 were observed between the presences of Yersinia species and Y. enterocolitica in various samples and seasons.Conclusions:Sanitation and pasteurization are the best ways to increase the microbial quality and particularly decrease the load of Yersinia species. The ability of Yersinia species to growth in Doogh, yoghurt, curd and butter is very low.

様々な牛乳由来チーズによる RAW264.7マウスマクロファージ細胞の一酸化窒素産生誘導

様々な牛乳由来チーズによる RAW264.7マウスマクロファージ細胞の一酸化窒素産生誘導

Technological properties of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria isolated from Pico cheese an artisanal cow's milk cheese

Evaluate technologically relevant properties from bacteriocin-producing strains to use as starter/adjunct cultures in cheese making. Eight isolates obtained from Pico cheese produced in Azores (Portugal) were found to produce bacteriocins against Listeria monocytogenes and three isolates against Clostridium perfringens. They were identified as Lactococcus lactis and Enterococcus faecalis and submitted to technological tests: growth at different conditions of temperature and salt, acid production, proteolysis, lipolysis, coexistence, enzymatic profile and autolytic capacity. Safety evaluation was performed by evaluating haemolytic, gelatinase and DNase activity, resistance to antibiotics and the presence of virulence genes. Some isolates presented good technological features such as high autolytic activity, acid and diacetyl production. Lactococcus lactis was negative for all virulence genes tested and inhibit the growth of all Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates. Enterococci were positive for the presence of some virulence genes, but none of the isolates were classified as resistant to important antibiotics. The bacteriocin-producing Lc.lactis present good potential for application in food as adjunct culture in cheese production. The study also reveals good technological features for some Enterococcus isolates. Bacteriocin-producing strains presented important technological properties to be exploited as new adjunct culture for the dairy industry, influencing flavour development and improve safety.

Nutritional and sensory characteristics of Minas fresh cheese made with goat milk, cow milk, or a mixture of both

This study aimed to assess and compare the nutritional, technological, and sensory characteristics of Minas fresh cheese made with goat milk, cow milk, or a mixture of the two stored in cold conditions for 21d. The yield and centesimal composition of the cheeses were not affected by the type of milk used in their preparation. Reductions were observed in the moisture content, pH, proteolysis index, and instrumental hardness; moreover, increases were observed in the syneresis, acidity index, and depth of proteolysis index in all cheeses. The percentages of caprylic, capric, oleic, and linoleic fatty acids were higher in goat milk cheese and cheese made with a mixture of goat and cow milk compared with cow milk cheese, and a sensory evaluation revealed differences in color, flavor, and aroma between the cheeses. The preparation of Minas fresh cheese with a mixture of goat and cow milk can be a viable alternative for dairy products in the market that can be characterized as high-quality products that meet consumer demands.

Isolation of Arcobacter butzleri in environmental and food samples collected in industrial and artisanal dairy plants

This study investigated the presence of Arcobacter species in two cheese factories; a total of 22 environmental samples and 10 food samples were collected from an artisanal and an industrial cheese factory; Arcobacter species were isolated after enrichment, and isolates were identified at species level by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. In the artisanal cheese factory, Arcobacter spp. were isolated from several environmental samples, cow and water buffalo raw milk and ricotta cheese. In the industrial plant, Arcobacter spp. were isolated from surfaces not in contact with food and from a cleaned surface in contact with food; no Arcobacter spp. was isolated from food. All isolates were identified as A. butzleri. We report of the presence of A. butzleri in a ready-to-eat cheese produced for retail. In addition, the isolation of A. butzleri in food processing surfaces in the two cheese factories could be assessed as a source of potential contamination for cheeses

Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 using immunomagnetic separation and mPCR in Turkish foods of animal origin

The present study was conducted to investigate the presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food samples of animal origin and to detect its virulence genes by immunomagnetic separation technique and multiplex PCR (mPCR). A total of 500 samples (consisting of diced meat, minced meat, burger, raw cow's milk and raw cow's milk cheese) were analysed. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was detected in 5 (1%) of 500 analysed samples including two diced meat, one minced meat and two raw-milk cheese. None of the burger samples tested contained E.coli O157:H7. Three isolates obtained from minced and diced meat were found to carry stx1 , stx2 , hlyA and eaeA genes whereas two isolates from raw-milk cheese were found to harbour the stx1 , eaeA and hlyA genes. The results of this study suggest that raw meat and raw-milk cheese tested could pose public health problems in consumers with regard to their virulence factors. Escherichia coli (E.coli) O157:H7 is an important human pathogen. Escherichia coli 0157:H7 infections have been associated with consumption of uncooked meat and meat products, as well as unpasteurized dairy products. This study demonstrated that without specific tests for E.coli virulence factors raw meat and raw-milk cheese could pose public health problems to Turkish consumers.

Effect of Partial Substitution of Fresh Cow Milk with Bambaranut Milk on Nutritional Characteristics and Yield of Soft ('Unripe') Cheese-'Warankashi'

Nutrition characteristics and percentage yield of cheese ‘warankashi’ with partial substitution of bambaranut milk was studied. Extracted bambaranut milk was blended with fresh raw cow milk using varying proportions of 5:95; 10:90; 15:85; 20:80; 30:70; 40:60 and 50:5050%, cheese analogue of 100% bambaranut and a control of whole cow milk cheese was produced. Samples of cheese from different mix and control were examined for nutritional characteristics and percentage cheese yield. Data obtained from each examination was statistically analyzed. The result on percentage yield of cheese showed an increase from 28.05% control sample (100% cow milk cheese) as level of bambaranut milk increases in the cheese mix to 40.22% of cheese with 50% added bambaranut. Cheese analogue recorded highest (52.86%) yield. Increase in proportion of added bambaranut milk (5-50%) in cheese making caused significant (p<0.05) changes in proximate content, the values ranged from 7.86% protein; 0.58% ash; 1.05% crude fiber; 13.17% carbohydrate to maximum values of 14.69% protein; 2.51% ash; 3.51% crude fiber; and 28.7% carbohydrate. Crude fat declined from 13.59% control sample of 100% cow milk cheese to 8.62% of 100% cheese analogue. The mineral content of cheese samples showed a maximum values of 44.79 mg/kg calcium, 2.37 mg/kg potassium and declined as there was increase bambaranut milk substitution in the cheese samples, while 8.11 mg/kg iron, 3.01 mg/kg zinc, 9.40 mg/kg phosphorous and manganese of 1.52 mg/kg highest value in each cases among the samples. The results showed the potential of bambaranut as alternative source of milk analogue in cheese with improved nutritional values and percentage yield.

Effect of inulin addition on the sensorial properties of reduced‐fat fresh cheese

A reduced‐fat fresh cow's milk cheese with inulin (3%) was compared with both full‐fat and reduced‐fat cheeses without the prebiotic. The pH and microbiological quality of cheeses were not affected by the presence of inulin. Cheeses produced with inulin were less hard, springy, cohesive and chewy than reduced‐fat cheeses, and more similar to cheeses made from whole milk. Cheeses produced with inulin had the lowest lightness and the highest yellowness values, although these colour differences were not detected by the panellists. The sensory panel described the reduced‐fat cheese with inulin as more acceptable than its counterpart without inulin.

Physicochemical and microbiological evaluation of corrientes artisanal cheese during ripening

The aim of this study was to evaluate some physical and chemical parameters (total solids, pH, acidity, fat, acid degree value of fat, salt, protein and nitrogen fractions) and their effects on the beneficial (lactic acid bacteria: LAB) and undesirable microbial populations (coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, moulds, and yeast) during ripening of Artisanal Corrientes Cheese, an Argentinian cow's milk variety, to determine whether a longer ripening period than usual improve its hygienic-sanitary quality. The protein content was much higher than that of other cow's milk cheeses with similar values of fat. The larger peptides showed values three times higher in the 30 day-old cheese than those obtained in the beginning of the process. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were detected (3.04 ± 1.48 log10 cfu/g of cheese, 2.21 ± 0.84 log10 MPN/g of cheese) even at 15 and 30 days of ripening, respectively. The distribution of three hundred LAB strains classified to the genus level (lactococci:lactobacilli:leuconostocs) was maintained during the ripening period. The high number of LAB in rennet may have contributed to the fermentation as a natural whey starter, unknown source of LAB for this specific cheese so far. The physicochemical changes that occur during ripening were not big enough to inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganisms.

Descriptive sensory profile of cow and buffalo milk Cheddar cheese prepared using indigenous cultures

The objective of the study was to compare the sensory profile of Cheddar cheese prepared from cow and buffalo milk using indigenous and commercial cultures. Commercially available and locally isolated, indigenous starter cultures were used to prepare cow and buffalo milk Cheddar cheese. The cheese was ripened at 4 and 12°C and analyzed for descriptive sensory profile by a panel of 10 assessors after 60 and 120d of ripening. On evaluation, the mean scores for odor, flavor, and texture attributes obtained for buffalo milk cheese were significantly higher than those obtained for cow milk cheese. For most of the traits, cheese samples prepared from indigenous cultures and ripened at higher temperature received higher descriptive scores compared with those of commercial cultures and ripened at lower degrees. Milk sources highly significantly affected the “creamy” and “sour” traits of odor; the “creamy,” “smoky,” and “soapy” flavors; and all the texture attributes except “maturity.” Starter cultures considerably influenced the production of “acidic,” “bitter,” “sweet,” and “sour” characteristics. The use of elevated ripening temperature showed noticeable effect on all the characteristics except the “creamy” odor and flavor. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis also showed that milk sources, starter cultures, and ripening temperatures significantly influenced the sensory characteristics.

Comparative Study of Buffalo and Cow Milk Feta-Type Cheese with Respect to Sensory and Biochemical Characteristics during Ripening

The effect of type of milk on sensory and biochemical characteristics of feta-type cheeses was investigated during the ripening period. Both types of milk were standardized to casein/fat ratio of 0.70. The overall flavor, body and texture score for cow milk feta-type cheese was found significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the buffalo milk feta-type cheese, but the overall color and appearance score was found significantly (P < 0.05) higher in buffalo milk feta-type cheese. The pH of buffalo milk feta cheese was found significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the cow milk feta-type cheese. In addition to that, the percentage titratable acidity, soluble protein and free fatty acid value were found significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cow milk feta cheese throughout the ripening period. Practical Applications Traditionally, feta cheese is made from ewe's milk or its mixture with goat's milk. The production of ewe and goat milk is around 2% of the world's total milk production. That is why it becomes almost impossible to fulfill the demand of feta cheese particularly from such milk. However, cow milk is readily available throughout the world. So, in order to fulfill the ever-growing demand of feta cheese worldwide, the technology for manufacture of acceptable quality cheese from cow milk has been successfully developed. The preferred characteristic of feta cheese is white in color; generally, cow milk is bleached in order to obtain white color. But bleaching destroys valuable β-carotene, which is a major disadvantage of cow milk cheese. However, in India 57% of total milk production comes from buffalo. Therefore, there is a need to develop adaptable technology for manufacture of feta cheese from buffalo milk.

Alkaline phosphatase activity in Slovenian cheese made from pasteurized, thermized or raw milk

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme used as an indicator of adequate pasteurization. We measured its concentration following ISO11816-2 in pasteurized cow milk cheeses and in raw and thermized cheeses regardless of the animal species. The amount of ALP in all pasteurized cow milk cheeses (19 samples) was below 10 mU/g of cheese and as such in agreement with the tentative limit set by the European Union Reference Laboratory (EU-RL). The amount of ALP in raw and thermized cow cheese was 4076 and 411 mU/g of cheese, respectively. However, the concentration of ALP in raw sheep milk cheese was 8207 mU/g of cheese, due to the higher fat content of sheep milk. There was one cheese for which the heat treatment was not clearly specified by the producer. Controls of ALP activity should be carried out regularly to ensure that the legislative criteria are followed and in order to verify the correctness of cheese specifications.

Using nested PCR to detect the hlyA gene of Listeria monocytogenes in Minas Frescal cow's milk cheese.

To evaluate a nested PCR protocol for Listeria monocytogenes detection, Minas Frescal cow's milk cheeses were produced, artificially inoculated with this pathogen at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1,000 CFU/g, and stored at 4°C for 10 days. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standardized method 11290-1/A1 was used to detect L. monocytogenes in the inoculated samples, and DNA was extracted from aliquots (1, 5, and 10 ml) of 1:10 dilution, followed by a nested PCR protocol for the hlyA gene. The ISO standardized reference method and nested PCR both detected L. monocytogenes at all concentrations and during all storage periods; McNemar's test showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The results indicated that the nested PCR protocol can be used as a screening test to detect L. monocytogenes in Minas Frescal cheese, allowing earlier detection of the pathogen that can later be confirmed by the ISO standardized reference method.

Sensory analysis of full-, reduced- and low-fat cheese elaborated with raw goat milk

The market for goat milk cheese has grown due to the new tendencies to consume innovative products, and the fact that it has provided a profitable alternative to cow milk cheese due to its inherent health-promoting attributes. The trends toward healthier eating have increased the interest in low-fat cheese (LFC). The objective of this study is to enable an understanding and provides a baseline of the effect of fat reduction on sensory analyses and consumer acceptability of cheeses made from raw goat milk with three different fat contents and ripened for 28 days using an artisanal method. Odour and flavour intensity was lower as fat decreased in cheese, and LFC and reduced-fat cheese (RFC) were firmer, friable, grainier, drier, acidic and less adhesive and sweet than full-fat cheese (FFC). Both judges and consumers preferred the FFC, mainly because of the greater intensity and the combination of this with excessive hardness and high masticability was likely the main cause of non-acceptance.