Effect of different fat levels on physicochemical, sensory and microbiological attributes of fermented laban milk

The present study analyses the effect of storage time and varying fat levels in fermented laban milk samples obtained from different sources through physicochemical, sensory and microbiological attributes. The milk samples were divided into three groups (T1 = Buffalo Milk, T2 = Cow Milk, T3 = Mixed Milk) with replication. Viscosity, acidity and syneresis of all three laban milk samples increased, whereas pH decreased significantly (P ≤ .05) across storage days. The viscosity, protein and total solids (TS) were significantly (P ≤ .05) decreased in all Laban milk samples with a 3.5% fat level compared to a 1.5% fat level at the 21st day of the storage period. The colour and appearance scores were unaffected for the T1 group but decreased with increased fat levels for T2 and T3 groups. The Total Plate Count tended to decrease with a 3.5% fat level in all three laban milk samples. However, days of storage had a non-significant effect. Buffalo laban milk seems best in terms of viscosity, protein, TS, taste and aroma. Furthermore, these attributes are affected by days of storage and fat level. The fermented laban prepared from mixed milk (T3) showed results at par with that from buffalo milk. Hence, considering the economical aspect, mixed milk laban at a fat level of 3.5% is highly recommended.