Nutritional and hygienic quality of raw milk intended for consumption in the region of Guelma, Algeria

The main objective of this study is to assess nutritional and hygienic qualities of raw milk collected in situ in dairy cattle farms in the region of Guelma, Algeria. For this purpose, a total of 144 milk samples were collected and analyzed to determine their physicochemical characteristics and bacteriological quality. Results showed an acceptable nutritional quality, with a poor bacteriological quality. The average contamination was 11.69 x 105 CFU ml-1 for total flora, against 23.44 x 105 CFU ml-1 for total Coliforms and 7.34 x 104 CFU ml-1 for fecal Coliforms. In addition, 6% of total samples were positive for Clostridium. For the suspected pathogenic flora, Staphylococcus aureus has been detected in 9 samples; however, all milk samples were devoid of Salmonella. The poor quality of milk reflects the dismal conditions of production and the no-control of hygienic practices.