Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Raw Milk Produced from Milking to Delivery to Milk Plant

The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological and physicochemical properties of raw milk in Mazandaran province, Iran, during 6 months from winter 2013 to spring 2014. A total of 253 raw milk samples were collected, from dairy farms, milk cans, milk collection centers, and delivery milk tankers. The samples were analyzed for microbial quality, total plate count (TPC), and physicochemical properties including titrable acidity, pH, content of fat and protein, solids nonfat (SNF) level, specific gravity, percentage of water adulteration, and alcohol testing. The mean of TPC was 48 x [10.sup.7] CFU/mL. The higher TPC (23 x [10.sup.8]) was found in Chalous city during winter season. TPC less than [10.sup.6] was used as a basic standard limit by Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). Significant effect of region was observed on all physicochemical properties except pH (p