Physicochemical Evaluation of Bovine Milk in North Central Nigeria

Introduction: Physiochemical analysis is an important tool to monitor the quality of milk and other dairy products.

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical quality of the bovine milk in three selected states from the North Central, Nigeria.

Study Design: To determine pH, titratable acidity TTA, specific gravity SG, Viscosity and freezing point FP of cattle milk obtained from 15 Local Government Areas in North Central, Nigeria

Place and Duration of Study: Three states were selected from the North Central Zone of Nigeria which includes Niger, Kwara and Kogi States. A total of the 15 Local Government Areas LGAs. These include; Edati-idati, Agaie, Bosso, Mariga, and Rafi (Niger state), Patigi, Ilorin East, Ilorin West, Ifelodun, and Moro (Kwara state), Okene, Ibaji, Kabba, Idah and Lokoja (Kogi state).The sampled lasted for a year six months.

Methodology: A total of 180 cattle milk samples were collected from local producers and local vendors hawked, stationed in a market and from local milk producers. The pH, TTA, SG, Viscosity, FP of the milk samples were determined using pH meter, titration, Lactometer, viscometer, thermistor cryoscope

Results: The range values for pH, TTA, SG, Viscosity and FP of cow milk were 5.20-6.20, 0.09-1.91% lactic acid, 1.026-1.060 g/m/s, 150-184 cp and -0.442 to -0.532°C. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in pH values of milk product within each state. Out of 15 LGAs of the state, five LGAs milk samples did not conform to 1.027-1.035 g per mL set by World Health Organisation, WHO standard, while four LGAs had <1.020 specific gravity. Milk sampled from Mariga LGA had a highest FP (-0.442±0.007°C) while Edati LGA milk had -0.525±0.003°C lowest freezing point.

Conclusion: The findings revealed that most of the milk samples were adulterated with water and as such are unsafe for consumption.