Raw Milk Products Research Articles

Investigation of Staphylococcus Spp and Coliform Bacteria Contamination Sources after Cleaning-in-Place in Production Lines of Dairy Factories in Türkiye.

Microorganisms detected on dairy factory surfaces after disinfection can cause product contamination, leading to economic losses and health hazards for consumers. In this study, the presence of Staphylococcus spp. and Coliform in a total of 450 samples taken from food-contact and non-contact surfaces (stainless steel, plastic, cloth, and tiles surfaces), raw milk and final product (white cheese, kashar cheese, butter, yogurt, and cream) samples in five dairy factories was investigated by conventional techniques. The isolates obtained were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. In this study, a total of 54 Staphylococci (16.7% S. aureus and 81.5% coagulase-negative Staphylococci [CNS]) and 44 coliform isolates were identified at the species level. The most common CNS isolated by samples was S. epidermidis followed by S. saprophyticus, S. capitis, S. succinus S. carnosus. S. xylosus, S. sciuri, S. equorum, S. warneri, and S. hominis. Eighteen of the coliform isolates (41%) were identified as E. coli; 13 (29.5%) as E. cloacae; 3 (6.9%) as E. kobei, C. freundii, and K. oxytoca; 2 (4.5%) as K. pneumoniae; 1 (2.3%) as E. ludwigii and C. farmeri. The contamination rate of non-food contact surfaces (71.3%) was found to be higher than food contact surfaces (10.4%), and contaminated surfaces were found to be effective in product contamination. Study results show that some bacterial species obtained from raw milk, surfaces, and final products are factory specific and surface-associated bacteria are prominent in the product microbial profile.

Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, virulence gene distribution and SCCmec typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw milk and dairy products

Background and Objectives: Researchers have focused on Staphylococcus aureus because it is transmitted through food, such as milk and dairy products, and causes human diseases. Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, presence, and distribution of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) virulence genes isolated from raw milk and dairy products were evaluated. Materials and Methods: 300 samples of dairy products were collected from Shahrekord, Iran. S. aureus was identified using biochemical tests and screened for sensitivity to 13 antibiotics to identify resistance genes. In addition, SCCmec typing was performed. Results: Out of 300, S. aureus was found in 82 samples. Raw milk had the highest contamination with S. aureus (60 of 82), followed by cheese (15 of 82), and butter (7 of 82). At least one resistance gene was present in every isolate of S. aureus. Virulence factors and enterotoxin-coding genes, such as sea, seb, sec, and sed were highly distributed. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed the presence of toxin-producing MRSA strains in raw milk and dairy products. MRSA in dairy farms is an important risk factor for the spread of staphylococcal infections; therefore, further studies are needed to find strategies for controlling the presence of S. aureus, especially MRSA, in dairy products.

Analysis of the zoonotic tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw milk and dairy products in mountain pastures of the Lombardy region, Italy.

Over the last few decades, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has become a growing public health problem in Europe. The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a zoonotic virus that affects the central nervous system (CNS). TBEV has been detected in 27 European countries, and the rise in TBE cases is mainly due to environmental and ecological factors, and factors that increase the risk of human exposure to infected ticks. The infection via the alimentary route is the second most common means of TBEV transmission to humans. Raw milk from infected goats, sheep, or cows has been identified as a source of human food-borne infections. This study aims to gather new information on the prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw goat's and cow's milk and related raw products in the Lombard Alps (Italy). This is important due to the close proximity of Lombardy to the Triveneto region, where TBE is endemic, and southern Switzerland, where numerous TBEV-positive mammals have been found. Throughout 2023, a passive monitoring plan was implemented on samples delivered for TBEV analyses from the Alpine pastures. In total, 248 specimens including raw milk, raw milk cheese, and butter were tested. This is the first monitoring of food at risk of TBEV transmission in a non-endemic region with evidence of TBEV circulation. Despite testing a wide range of dairy products, no sample tested positive for RNA-TBEV by real-time RT-PCR. Preliminary results suggest that raw milk and raw dairy products do not pose a significant risk of TBEV transmission to humans in the territory of Lombardy.

Development of a cell culture-based method for detecting infectious tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in milk products

Tick-borne encephalitis outbreaks have been reported in Europe after consumption of raw milk products from infected animals. While molecular methods are commonly used in viral foodborne outbreak investigations due to their sensitivity, specificity and rapidity, there are very few methods to detect infectious tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in milk products for routine use/analyses. To address this gap, we developed a cell culture-based method to detect infectious TBEV in artificially contaminated raw goat milk and raw goat cheese, and evaluated the sensitivity of TBEV infectivity assays. Raw goat milk samples were spiked with TBEV to achieve inoculation levels ranging from 106 to 100 TCID50/mL, and Faisselle and Tomme cheese samples were spiked so their TBEV concentrations ranged from 9.28 × 105 to 9.28 × 101 TCID50 per 2.5g. To detect infectious TBEV, Vero cells were infected by raw goat milk. For cheese samples, after homogenisation and membrane filtration, Vero cells were infected with samples adsorbed on the filter (method A) or with samples eluted from the filter (method B). After 5 days, cytopathic effects (CPEs) were observed and TBEV replication in Vero cells was confirmed by an increase in the number of genome copies/mL that were detected in cell supernatant. Infected Vero cells exhibited CPEs for both milk and cheese samples. Infectious TBEV was detected to 103 TCID50/mL in raw milk samples and to 9.28 × 101 TCID50 from Faisselle samples using both methods A and B. For Tomme samples, method A was able to detect TBEV to 9.28 × 102 TCID50/2.5g and method B to 9.28 × 103 TCID50/2.5g. The number of positive samples detected was slightly higher with method A than with method B. To conclude, this qualitative cell culture-based method can detect infectious TBEV artificially inoculated into raw milk and cheese; it should be further evaluated during foodborne outbreak investigations to detect infectious TBEV from naturally contaminated milk and cheese.

Understanding brucellosis: knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported prevalence among agro-pastoralists in Nakasongola, Uganda

BackgroundBrucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease that poses serious health threats around the world including Uganda. Brucellosis is caused by Brucella spp., the bacteria being transmitted via contact through skin breaks, via inhalation, or orally through the consumption of raw milk and other dairy products. The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported prevalence, knowledge, and perceptions towards brucellosis transmission, within agro-pastoralist communities in the Nakasongola district, central Uganda.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional survey design. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and administered to 398 participants selected through convenience sampling method. The survey gathered information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of brucellosis transmission, symptoms, preventive measures, and self-reported prevalence of brucellosis. Qualitative data involved the use of six focus group discussions, identifying factors for transmission based on their perceived level of risk or impact using ranking by proportional piling.ResultsA majority (99.2%, n = 398) had heard about brucellosis and 71.2% were aware of the zoonotic nature of the disease. There were varied responses regarding transmission routes, symptoms, and preventive measures. Self-reported prevalence was relatively high (55.5%). Following adjusted analysis, factors such as subcounty, source of income, knowledge about symptoms of brucellosis, whether brucellosis is treatable, perception, and living close to animals were statistically significant. Participants from Wabinyonyi had 2.7 higher odds of reporting brucellosis than those from Nabiswera, aOR = 2.7, 95%CI 1.4–5.5. Crop farming and livestock had much higher odds of reporting brucellosis than those earning from casual sources, aOR = 8.5, 95%C 1.8–40.1 and aOR = 14.4, 95%CI 3.1–67.6, respectively. Those who had knowledge about symptoms had 6.9 higher odds of reporting brucellosis than who mentioned fever, aOR = 4.5, 95%CI 2.3–18.3. Likewise, living close with animals and handling aborted fetuses (aOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.17–0.86), (aOR = 0.2,95% CI: 0.07-0.0.42,) had significantly lower odds for self-reported prevalence compared to those who believed did not cause brucellosis. Risk factors identified included, handling of aborted fetuses and living in close proximity with animals. Overall, there was a moderate statistical agreement in the ranking across the focus groups discussion (Wc = 0.48, p < 0.01; n = 6).ConclusionWhile awareness of brucellosis is high in the community, understanding of the transmission routes, clinical symptoms, and preventive measures varied. Investigating the understanding and assessing knowledge, perceptions and self-reported prevalence in this region indicated a necessity for risk communication strategies and community-based interventions to better control brucellosis transmission.

Сравнительная оценка финансово-экономического положения производственных звеньев молочно-продовольственной цепочки

The article examines the financial and economic results of the interaction between the agricultural and processing links of the dairy food chain. For the assessment, a rating score was used, calculated on the basis of four indicators characterizing the efficiency of use of advanced capital, solvency and financial stability. The rating score takes values from 0 to 100. The features of the distribution of enterprises of both levels into groups in accordance with the rating scores are reflected. The risks of possible ruin of enterprises in crisis groups are noted. It is shown that the overall assessment of the financial and economic situation is better for the processing unit, but raw milk producers have higher rates of return on advanced capital and return on sales. It is concluded that the difference in the overall assessment of the financial and economic situation is not associated with the factor of price dominance.

Antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of Listeria species from raw milk and dairy products in Burdur, Turkey.

Worldwide, but especially in emerging nations, concerns about food safety pose a serious obstacle to societal and economic progress. This research aimed to examine the prevalence of Listeria spp. in raw milk and dairy products in Burdur, as well as the presence of genes associated with biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in the isolates. A total of 185 samples, including raw milk, curd, cream, butter, yogurt and cheese, were randomly collected in Burdur. The enrichment and isolation methods specified by the United States Department of Agriculture was used to identify Listeria species in milk and dairy product samples. Culture-positive strains were identified as Listeria genus and as species by PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated against 14 antibiotics using the disc diffusion technique (EUCAST). Of them, 2.2% (4/185) were positive for Listeria spp. Listeria species were isolated from cheese and yogurt samples. Two of them were Listeria innocua 1.1% (2/185), one was Listeria ivanovii 0.5% (1/185) and the other was Listeria welshimeri 0.5% (1/185). As a result of multiplex PCR of the biofilm genotypic marker luxS and flaA genes, the flaA gene was detected in three of four isolates, the luxS gene was detected in one isolate, and these two genes were not found in one isolate. Although all isolates were resistant to gentamicin and rifampicin, they also showed multidrug resistance. This study revealed that the diversity of prevalence of Listeria spp. in Burdur requires microbial risk assessment in the milk and dairy products value chain and the need to focus on the problem of multiple antibiotic resistance.

Public Health Significance of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli: An Overview

Meat is a global vital protein source catering to diverse diets. By 2050, world’s population may rise to 9 billion and the demand for meat will exceed supply, necessitating a doubling of meat production. Nutritionally rich composition makes meat, a fertile ground for numerous microbes, leading to spoilage and foodborne illnesses, impacting human health. External factors like poor hygiene, inadequate post-production storage, mishandling and more contribute to meat contamination. The zoonotic strains of E. coli can cause severe food poisoning, with over 700 identified serotypes, hence it is crucial to identify, monitor and control E. coli to ensure food safety. Among E. coli pathotypes, Verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) stands out as major cause of food poisoning. The VTEC toxin (Shiga toxin), can induce mild diarrhea to severe form of illness like Hemorrhagic Uremic Syndrome and Hemorrhagic Colitis, posing a severe public health risk. The Cattle is a primary reservoir for VTEC, which, by faecal shedding, can pollute food, water and the environment. Furthermore, E. coli can spread through contaminated meat, raw milk and milk products. This bacterium is commonly found in the immediate surroundings of animal reservoir, including soil, grass and manure, leading to potential contamination of milk. E. coli infections not only impact humans but also animals, with cattle, sheep and poultry acting as reservoirs for different E. coli strains. Cattle populations frequently harbor E. coli O157:H7 asymptomatic carriers, contributing to faecal contamination of food and water sources. Educating the public about the risks associated with improper meat handling and contamination is essential to reduce foodborne illnesses. Monitoring and surveillance of meat quality in local markets, as are crucial steps towards ensuring food safety. This underscores the importance of understanding and managing E. coli contamination in meat to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of meat products in the global food supply chain.

Determination of microbial contamination in raw milk, processed milk and yoghurt consumed in Mbarara city, western part of Uganda

he microbial composition of milk serves as a key indicator of its quality. While its nutritional value is significant, the inherent nature of milk also makes it an ideal environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, some of which lead to human illnesses, while others contribute to the spoilage of milk, making it unsafe for consumption. This research therefore aimed to assess the bacterial contamination content in raw milk, UHT and yoghurt, a total of 36 samples were gathered from various retailers, markets and supermarkets across Mbarara city. Contaminated milk and its products are accountable for human dairy related illnesses. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess micro bacterial contamination and the presence of selected milk-borne zoonotic pathogens. The study involved 36 samples of milk and milk products mainly raw milk, UHT, or processed milk and yoghurt. Laboratory analysis conducted included Total Plate Count (TPC), Yeasts and molds (YM), staphylococcus, salmonella and coliform, as well as detection of Escherichia coli (E coli), biochemical tests including gram staining were employed to isolate and identify bacteria in these samples. The findings indicated the presence of these types of bacteria in raw milk, Staphylococcus spp (25%), Salmonella spp (33.3%), YM (41.6%), TPC (50%), coliforms (33.3%) and E.coli (25%), for UHT milk the percentage was Staphylococcus spp (0%), Salmonella spp (16.6%), YM (8.3%), TPC(16.6%), coliforms (16.6%) and E.coli (8.3%), finally for yoghurt the results were Staphylococcus spp (8.3%), Salmonella spp (8.3%), YM (16.6%), TPC (25%), coliforms (16.6%) and E.coli (0%). In conclusion, the detection of microbial contamination in raw milk and milk products suggests inadequate sanitary practices and poor storage practices. Products that are contaminated by these pathogenic organisms when consumed may result in food poisoning and a proper awareness among the stakeholders and consumers regarding possible outcomes of consuming contaminated food items is necessary. keywords: Milk, Yoghurt, Food poisoning, Microorganisms, Contamination

How to Improve Surveillance Program for Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC): Gap Analysis and Pilot Study.

Several pathotypes of enteric E. coli have been identified. The group represented by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is of particular interest. Raw milk and raw milk products are significant sources of STEC infection in humans; therefore, identifying pathogens at the herd level is crucial for public health. Most national surveillance programs focus solely on raw milk and raw milk cheeses that are ready for retail sale, neglecting the possibility of evaluating the source of contamination directly at the beginning of the dairy chain. To assess the viability of the application of new molecular methodologies to STEC identification in raw milk filters and in calf feces, we analyzed 290 samples from 18 different dairy herds, including 88 bulk tank milk (BTM), 104 raw milk filters (RMF), and 98 calf feces samples. In total 3.4% of BTM, 41.4% of RMF, and 73.4% of calves' feces were positive for stx, supporting our hypothesis that BTM is not a suitable matrix to assess the presence of STEC at herd level, underestimating it. Our conclusion is that the surveillance program needs critical and extensive improvements such as RMF and calves' feces analysis implementation to be more efficient in detecting and preventing STEC infections. The epidemiology of these infections and the characteristics of the pathogen clearly show how a One Health approach will be pivotal in improving our capabilities to control the spread of these infections.

Monitoring Changes in the Antimicrobial-Resistance Gene Set (ARG) of Raw Milk and Dairy Products in a Cattle Farm, from Production to Consumption.

Raw milk and dairy products can serve as potential vectors for transmissible bacterial, viral and protozoal diseases, alongside harboring antimicrobial-resistance genes. This study monitors the changes in the antimicrobial-resistance gene pool in raw milk and cheese, from farm to consumer, utilizing next-generation sequencing. Five parallel sampling runs were conducted to assess the resistance gene pool, as well as phage or plasmid carriage and potential mobility. In terms of taxonomic composition, in raw milk the Firmicutes phylum made up 41%, while the Proteobacteria phylum accounted for 58%. In fresh cheese, this ratio shifted to 93% Firmicutes and 7% Proteobacteria. In matured cheese, the composition was 79% Firmicutes and 21% Proteobacteria. In total, 112 antimicrobial-resistance genes were identified. While a notable reduction in the resistance gene pool was observed in the freshly made raw cheese compared to the raw milk samples, a significant growth in the resistance gene pool occurred after one month of maturation, surpassing the initial gene frequency. Notably, the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes, such as OXA-662 (100% coverage, 99.3% identity) and OXA-309 (97.1% coverage, 96.2% identity), raised concerns; these genes have a major public health relevance. In total, nineteen such genes belonging to nine gene families (ACT, CMY, EC, ORN, OXA, OXY, PLA, RAHN, TER) have been identified. The largest number of resistance genes were identified against fluoroquinolone drugs, which determined efflux pumps predominantly. Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring gene pool variations throughout the product pathway and the potential for horizontal gene transfer in raw products. We advocate the adoption of a new approach to food safety investigations, incorporating next-generation sequencing techniques.

Beliefs about raw milk production and consumption and their relationship with health in Miraflores, Boyacá, Colombia

The consumption of raw milk in Colombia continues despite the regulations issued to standardize or prohibit it. In the municipality where this study was carried out, more than 90% of the population chooses to consume this product, being at potential risk of acquiring diseases. The objective of this study was to understand the beliefs surrounding the production and consumption of raw milk and its relationship with health. It was carried out in 2020. Ethnography was used as a method of data collection and analysis. It was found that this phenomenon is related to the economy, identity, and ecology and is a central axis and articulator of various socio-cultural activities. It is guided by traditional production practices that do not fully respect biosafety and hygiene. Furthermore, the consumption of raw milk is socially approved and is the result of a social construction that arose independently of the physicochemical and microbiological properties of raw milk. Furthermore, local and national government regulators are not interested in this productive sector or in the consequences that their practices may have on the health of consumers. Thus, the responsibility for the consumption of raw milk and the possible acquisition of diseases passes from the food industry to the consumer. It is up to each consumer to make raw milk a safe food.

Risk Assessment of AFM1 in Raw Milk and Dairy Products Produced in Armenia, a Caucasus Region Country: A Pilot Study.

This paper presents the first assessment of dietary exposure to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and associated health risks through milk and dairy product consumption in Armenia. Data on AFM1 in raw milk were obtained from an annual residue monitoring program. Additionally, commonly consumed dairy products (pasteurized milk, cheese, sour cream, curd cheese) were sampled, considering the sources of raw milk used by dairy companies. Per capita consumption of raw milk was sourced from national food balance databases, while individual consumption data for dairy products was collected via a 24 h recall survey with 1400 adult respondents. Detectable levels of AFM1 were observed in 7.14% of raw milk samples (up to 0.334 μg/kg) and, albeit at lower amounts (up to 0.009 µg/kg), in 30% and 40% of sour cream and curd cheese, respectively. The AFM1 levels were lower than the national maximum permitted level (0.5 μg/kg); however, levels in raw milk exceeded the EU ML (0.05 μg/kg). The estimated margin of exposure values for dairy products indicated no significant risk, whereas a reasonable worst-case estimate, using the measurable levels of AFM1 in raw milk consumption indicated a potential public health concern. This study provides a scientific basis for evaluating aflatoxin issues in the Caucasus area.

Seasonal variation of Salmonella enterica prevalence in milk and cottage cheese along the dairy value chain in three regions of Ethiopia

Seasonal fluctuations influence foodborne illness transmission and affect patterns of microbial contamination of food. Previous investigations on the seasonality of Salmonella enterica prevalence in dairy products in Ethiopia have been minimal. However, such data are needed to inform strategic development of effective interventions to improve food safety, as seasonal differences may affect intervention strategies. This study was conducted to identify differences in the prevalence of Salmonella in milk and cheese samples between wet and dry seasons. A longitudinal study design was utilized with a random sampling occurring during both dry and wet seasons. A total of 448 milk and cottage cheese samples were collected from Oromia, Sidama, and Amhara regions. Samples were tested for Salmonella using the ISO 6579-1: 2008 method, followed by PCR confirmation. A chi-square test was conducted to assess the significance of differences in the prevalence of Salmonella in the samples between the two seasons. Results from this study showed a higher prevalence of Salmonella in all sample types during the dry season (P < 0.05). Moreover, when comparing raw milk, pasteurized milk, and cottage cheese samples, a significant difference was observed in Salmonella prevalence from raw milk samples (27.08%) collected in the Oromia region. Additionally, data showed a significantly higher prevalence of Salmonella in samples collected from raw milk producers (29.17%) during the wet season (P < 0.05). This study indicates that in order to enhance the safety of dairy products in Ethiopia, comprehensive, long-term awareness building on hygienic milk production and handling that consider seasonal influence is warranted.

Optimization of Feed Ration Cost in Dairy Cattle by Genetic Algorithm

Feeding animals is one of the important problems of those dealing with livestock breeding. In order for animals to live a healthy life, they need to have adequate and balanced nutrition. Providing nutrients from cheaper sources has an important place in animal husbandry. In this study, it was aimed to prepare low-cost feed rations for dairy cattle with Genetic Algorithm (GA). In the experiments, a milk yield of 20 and 25 Kg with 3.5% fat was targeted, taking as reference dairy cattle with a body weight of 450 to 600 Kg in the 10th lactation week. GA's results were compared to the National Dairy Council's raw milk production cost in June 2023, yielding an approximately 20% gain in feed cost.

Occurrence and diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in Portuguese dairy farms

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic microorganism that causes listeriosis, an infection that usually occurs after consumption of contaminated food and is considered particularly dangerous due to its ability to grow and multiply under adverse conditions. In recent years, there has been an increase in the consumption of unprocessed products, such as raw milk and dairy products, by people of all ages, including those with compromised immune systems, which could lead to an increase in foodborne illness. Ruminants play a very important role in the persistence and transmission of L. monocytogenes through a continuous oral-faecal cycle. Therefore, farms are considered a reservoir of this microorganism and are involved in the transmission from animals to humans. In this study, samples of faeces, milk, water, silage, feed and teat cups swabs were collected from 8 farms to assess the distribution of the pathogen in the farm environment. Milk samples were also collected from 100 dairy farms to assess the risk associated with the consumption of raw milk. Detection was performed by real-time PCR, while preparation, enrichment and confirmation were performed according to ISO 11290–1, (2017). The prevalence in water was 8.3%, in faeces 12.5% and in feed 12.0%, while in the other samples the microorganism was not detected. It was also observed that this microorganism was more abundant in spring months. The eight isolates were serotyped by real-time PCR and the most frequent serogroup was IVb with 5 isolates (2 of which were IVb-v1) and the remaining 3 were IIb. Two of the clonal complexes (CCs) identified were shared by two isolates (CC 213 and CC 217), the remaining CCs identified (CC 392, CC 554, CC 489, CC 224 and CC 183) were not identified in more than one isolate. This study contributed to a better understanding of the ecology of L. monocytogenes in dairy farms, showing that most of the clones found in food were not present in this environment and that genes coding for disinfectants and heavy metals were not detected.

The effect of antibiotics contained in milk on the quality and safety of dairy products

During storage, the organic substances of milk undergo a number of complex changes in composition and properties, and new chemical compounds are also formed that radically change the nutritional value, normal appearance, taste and smell of the product under the influence of a number of factors. factors. Regulation of biochemical and microbiological processes during storage and processing of milk is a current trend in the dairy industry. The purpose of the experiment is to determine the effect of antibiotics on the chemical composition, microbiological parameters and organoleptic properties of raw milk and fermented milk products. During the research, it was found that with increasing concentration of penicillin, the consistency of yogurt becomes liquid and heterogeneous, with an off taste and odor. The number of lactic acid bacteria was 3.1 × 104 CFU/ml with the maximum amount of antibiotics in the product (0.1 mg/kg) and 3.4 × 108 CFU/ml without it. Statistically significant differences in the organoleptic properties of yogurt were obtained at the highest concentration of chloramphenicol (0.1 mg/kg). In the remaining samples studied, antibiotic concentrations did not affect the consistency, taste and smell of the product.

Structural analysis of cattle enterprises in Kayapinar district of Diyarbakır province

This research was conducted in person in Diyarbakir province, Kayapınar district, by means of a questionnaire with a total of 120 people engaged in cattle breeding in 21 settlements. The questionnaire addresses the existence of cattle farms, the general structural status of cattle farms, information provided by owners, feed supply and feeding practices, animal health and treatment practices, reproduction and artificial insemination practices, production and marketing of animal products on farms, housing status and support utilization status. It has been shown that the farms are small farms and 92% of the farms have closed barns. The fact that the majority of farm owners are between 40 and 61 years old can be seen as a danger signal for livestock. It was found that there is no cooperative in the villages except Cumhuriyet district, which brings the problem of marketing raw milk and dairy products. In the study area, it it has been observed that activities such as animal care feeding, estrus monitoring and application, and automation in animal husbandry are insufficient. For sustainable animal production, relevant public institutions and organizations need to work more intensively and carry out training, monitoring and evaluation activities to increase productivity per animal in enterprises, to train operators on herd management, care and feeding and animal health, and to meet expectations by solving problems in enterprises. This research provides us with important data about the general structure of cattle breeding in Kayapınar district of Diyarbakır province.

Adapted Machinery and Technology for Alpine Pasture Dairy Farming

The paper highlights that grazing a dairy herd on ecologically pristine mountain pastures facilitates the production of raw milk at reduced costs. Preserving the native properties of milk and achieving superior product quality necessitates prompt milk processing, particularly through efficient cooling and storage at low temperatures. (Research purpose) The primary objective of this research is to substantiate the methodology for dairy cattle management and to develop technological solutions for milking and primary milk processing in mountainous pastures. (Materials and methods) Prototypes of milking machines and cooling equipment utilizing natural cold sources were developed and produced. Trials were conducted on farms in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. A methodology to produce consumable milk has been developed considering the natural and climatic conditions inherent in grazing dairy cattle on mountain pastures and existing machinery for milking and primary processing of raw materials. The technology includes the basic operations such as dairy herd feeding and management, milking, primary milk processing and storage of drinking cow’s milk. (Results and discussion) The technology is poised to enhance milk production by 10 percent, elevate the fat content by 3 percent, and decrease the incidence of mastitis in cows attributed to conventional machine milking tailored for lowland conditions by 40 percent. Moreover, it promises a 15 percent reduction in energy consumption for operating milking and refrigeration equipment as well as an increase in labor productivity. These technical and technological advancements are fortified with patent protection. (Conclusions) The development of dairy farming in mountainous regions, rich in naturally growing, ecologically pristine pasture lands, is an economically attractive direction to produce premium domestic dairy products. Comparative analyses conducted through laboratory assessments and field trials substantiate the viability of employing the proposed technological methodologies and machinery.

Rapid detection of major enterotoxin genes and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw milk in the Yazd province, Iran.

Raw milk is a nutrient-rich food, but it may harbour harmful bacteria, such as enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which can cause staphylococcal food poisoning. Antibiotic resistance of S. aureus in raw milk can increase the risk of such infections, particularly among susceptible individuals. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of enterotoxin genes a, d, g, i and j and the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus isolated from raw milk samples. During a 6-month sampling period, 60 raw milk specimens were obtained from diverse locations in Yazd province, Iran. Antibiogram profiling was conducted via the disc diffusion method. In addition, staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes a, d, g, i, and j were detected through real-time PCR analysis. Bacteriological assays confirmed the presence of S. aureus in 11 samples (18.3%). All isolates demonstrated 100% resistance to penicillin G but exhibited sensitivity to vancomycin, while resistance to other antibiotics ranged from 36.4% to 45.5%. The prevalence of enterotoxin genes in these strains showed variable distribution, with sea being the predominant SE (45.5%), followed by sed (36.4%), seg (18.2), sej and sei (9.1% each). This study discovered the presence of multiple enterotoxins in S. aureus strains obtained from raw milk samples. These strains also demonstrated resistance to a variety of antibiotics. Since enterotoxigenic S. aureus is known to cause human food poisoning, monitoring food hygiene practices, especially during raw milk production, is critical.