Abstract:
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxic metabolites of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus fungi. The aim of this study was to assess the level of aflatoxin M1 and evaluate the microbial quality of raw cow milk produced through the milk sheds found in the Addis Ababa town. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the study area and then purposively based on dairy potential four sub cities i.e. Arada, Bole, Kality and Yeka sub-cities were selected. A total of 132 samples were collected for all experiment. The result indicated that, from the total 125(45%) range from 0.21-3.09μg/L) of the examined raw milk samples from 5 samples were contaminated with Aflatoxin M1 and exceeded the European Union limit (0.05μg/L). The determination of microbial load in raw milk samples total bacterial count, Escherichia coli and salmonella count were conducted. The analysis result revealed that 1.65±0.25 cfu/ml of total bacteria count, 7.31±00 cfu/ml E. coli and 00±00 cfu/ml salmonella count which has a significant variation of (p<0.05). The result revealed that overall mean for specific gravity and adulteration, fat, protein, Ash, crude fiber and carbohydrate were 69.11±0.39, 2.78±0.02, 13.02±0.02, 0.62±0.01, 0.15±0.00 and 14.45±3.19cfu/ml, respectively. Milk produced in the study area is generally regarded as having acceptable chemical composition contents, but as it moves from the point of production to the point of sale, its bacteriological quality deteriorates. However, AFM1 concentration level measurement is required. Therefore, to ensure safety and quality of milk and health of the public, it is suggested to follow hygienic practice on milk production and handling.
Key words: Proximate; Microbial load; Adulteration; Raw milk