[Optimal irradiation dosage for microorganisms in cow's milk]

Area of Science:

• Dairy Science
• Microbiology
• Food Safety

Background:

• Microbial contamination in raw milk poses risks for calf health.
• Ensuring the safety of milk intended for calf consumption is crucial for livestock management.
• Alternative methods for microbial reduction in milk are of significant interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of ultra violet (UV) irradiation on the microbial load of pooled cow's milk.
• To determine the optimal UV irradiation duration for reducing microorganisms in milk for calf feeding.
• To evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of UV treatment at varying exposure times.

Main Methods:

• Comparative experimental design to assess UV irradiation effects.
• Exposure of pooled cow's milk to UV rays at different rates (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes).
• Monitoring the total count of organisms in milk samples before and after UV treatment.

Main Results:

• A decrease in microbial contamination was observed with increased UV irradiation time.
• The most significant reduction in microbial count was achieved at the 60-minute irradiation mark.
• UV treatment demonstrated a dose-dependent bactericidal effect on milk microorganisms.

Conclusions:

• Ultra violet irradiation is an effective method for reducing microbial contamination in cow's milk.
• A 60-minute UV treatment provides optimal bactericidal results for milk intended for calf feeding.
• UV irradiation offers a promising approach to enhance the microbiological safety of milk for young livestock.