Comparative analysis of buffalo and cow milk for quality characteristics and β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activity in non-infected animals

Abstract

In Pakistan, milk quality control standards are yet to be established. The prime objective of this study was to develop the standard reference
values for the milk pH, its somatic cell count (SCC), electric conductivity (EC) and NAGase i.e., milk enzyme in the noninfected milk of local
buffalo breed i.e., Nilli-Ravi also known as Black-gold of Pakistan and cows i.e., Sahiwal and other crossbred cows kept locally mostly for
milch purpose. A total of 30 animals with lactation number 1-5 (in early lactation of two months) from each breed group were selected
for milk samples. Samples were then tested for mastitis through Surf Field Mastitis test and microbiological culturing. Reference values
were determined using negative samples. Fore-mentioned parameters were analyzed for collected Milk samples. The values for NAGase
and SCC were the most eminent in the crossbred cow’s milk i.e., (56.07±2.33 U/mL) & (178645.83±2324.0/mL) respectively. EC value
(5.7±0.04) was strikingly high in Sahiwal cow’s milk. Milk of Nilli-Ravi was found superior in quality, based on its lower values of SSC,
EC and NAGase. Mean values of each parameter were also compared among different quarters and found to be statistically similar. In
conclusion, milk of Nilli-Ravi was found superior in quality and current findings can be used to provide base line information for NAGase
and other components of milk quality and udder health for above mentioned dairy types.