Effect of predisposing factors on microbial loads in camel milk along the pastoral dairy value chain in Kenya

• DOI: 10.1186/s13570-018-0123-7
• Publication Date: 2018-05-30T00:51:02Z
• Authors: Samuel Muyoma Nato; Joseph Wafula Mat...; Bockline Omedo Bebe; Christian Huelseb...
• Keywords: Milking; Udder; Camel Milk

The aim of this study was to map the camel milk value chain and establish predisposing factors for increase in microbial counts along chain. Isiolo County chosen study. Data collection done through key informant interviews, structured interview schedules, observation analysis samples. During sampling, temperature, environmental time volume from which sample taken were recorded. Along chain, increased significantly log10 4.91 ± 1.04 CFU/ml at production 7.52 1.32 Nairobi market total viable 3.68 1.28 6.42 1.13 coliform counts. At production, milking persons neither washed their hands nor cleaned camels' udder before milking, plastic, non-food grade containers only form receptacles used relationship between transport significant while receptacle had no effect on held a temperature 28 32.5 °C delivery secondary centres 10:15 am 6:30 pm cooling. Training quality handlers centre Affordable access low-cost food plastic as well cooling individual within two hours without bulking refilling again into transportation, is practice, would reduce Similarly, training should start where contamination initiated. Finally, addition improve shelf-life enabling distant markets. This greatly livelihoods pastoral producers.