Effect of season on physico-chemical and microbial quality of milk

An investigation was carried out on physico-chemical and microbial quality evaluation of milk collected from West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya during various seasons. A total of 900 samples were analyzed for the study. The study revealed that in the three seasons (winter, summer and rainy) fat, SNF, Methylene Blue Reduction Test, Resazurin test were higher during winter compared to summer and rainy seasons. Acidity was higher from winter to rainy and summer seasons. Standard Plate Count (log cfu/ml) expressed that incidence of bacteria was more in summer milk compared to rain and winter milk. It may be concluded that winter milk had least microbial contamination.