Abstract:
Fresh milk from cattle may possess temporary germicidal or bacteriostatic properties, growth
of microorganisms is inevitable unless it is processed or well stored. This study is intended to
assess physical properties, bacteriological quality, hygienic and milk handling practices in
Tiyo district, Arsi zone, Ethiopia. The study involved different farmers with lactating cows on
availability of milk during sample collection and willingness of them to participate in the study
area of Tiyo district. The physicochemical characterization includes pH, titratable acidity,
total solids, and ash content, the microbial quality tests considered standard plate counts,
coliform count and E. coli. The normal within standard range of total solid were recorded for
Shala Cabeti kebele (12.86%) and Waji Cilalo kebele (14.00). The normal within standard ash
content (0.4-5%) was recorded for Burka Cilalo (0.52), and Dhankaka Qonicho (1.21). The
mean standard titratable acid (< 0.17) were recorded for Waji cilalo (0.06), Dhankaka
Qonicho (0.12), and Burka Cilalo (0.14). The mean total coliform for all milk samples were
found to be below Ethiopian and East Africal standard for fresh milk samples which was
<50,000cfu/mL. The Aerobic mesophilic bacteria for milk samples from Dhankaka Qonicho
(9.8 x105) and Waji Cilalo (1.1 x 105) were found to be within the standard limit (< 1.0 x 106)
for Ethiopia and East Africa. The E coli count was found to be the highest for raw milk
samples from Dhankaka Qonicho (1.1 x 105cfu/mL), followed by Waji Cilalo (8.0 x
104cfu/mL). According to the result of the study 57 (38%) pH, 79(53%) TS, 85(57%) TA,
73(49%) ash content, 112 (75%) cfu/mL TC, 92(61%) cfu/mL AMC, and 99(66%) SCC were
recorded within the normal or standard range. Therefore, a significant quantity of the milk
samples found to be within the standard limit indicating that the quality of milk in the study
area can be improved further in further intervention action taken. The recommended action is
practice and regulation of on-site pasteurization. Moreover, training is suggested to improve
poor handling practices for reduce low quality of milk in Tiyo District, Arsi zone, Ethiopia.
