Physicochemical Characteristics and Microbiological Quality of Camel Milk in Tunisian Arid Lands : A Comparison with Goat and Sheep Milk

The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical parameters and the microbiological quality of milk samples of 3 different species in Tunisian arid lands viz. camel, goat and sheep. The results for milk characteristics showed significant differences among the 3 species. Camel milk was the the richest in total proteins (38,6 ± 0.07 g/l), the highest ash content (8,92 g/l±0,49), the most acid pH (pH 6.40±0.03) and the lowest density (1.02±0.2), whereas sheep milk was characterised by the greatest average value dry matter (151,17±2,60 g/l) and the highest fat content (52±0,55 g/l). Likewise, the microbial quality of camel milk was higher than that of sheep and goat milk based on total counts of coliform (TCC), yeast and molds (Y/M) and lactic bacteria (LAB). Although, the microbial analysis of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (FMAT) revealed an exceeds of standard criteria, suggesting that all samples may contain higher levels of microbial contaminants. To reduce this contamination, several measures must be taken.