Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk quality evaluation from different farm in the state of Kedah Darul Aman

The present research aimed to evaluate the quality of buffalo milk produced from different farm in Kedah. Raw milk samples were randomly collected from five buffalo farms of Murrah breed managed in integrated semi-intensive system, located in three district of Kedah which are Kuala Ketil, Kulim and Pendang. Five selected parameters were used in determination of the buffalo milk quality which are the milk stability, keeping quality, composition, antimicrobial residue and sanitary and hygienic status. Analysis of milk stability and keeping quality was determined through alcohol test and Methylene Blue Reduction Test (MBRT) respectively. Analysis of the buffalo milk composition such as fat, protein, lactose, total solids and solid non-fat were carried out using Lactoscan Milk Analyzer calibrated for buffalo milk. Analysis of antimicrobial residue were carried out using Delvo Test Kit technique. Microbial enumeration was carried out using Total Plate Count technique in order to determine the sanitary and hygienic status of the milk. Both alcohol test and MBRT reveal negative results, indicating good milk stability and keeping quality. The analysis of the chemical components as well as composition of the milk shows the result of fat, protein, lactose, total solid and solid non-fat content were quite low than the standard value for buffalo milk and also published articles. No antibiotic residues were found in the totality of the sample and also the microbial enumeration result does not exceed the value set in Malaysia Food Regulations (1985). Thus, this study concluded that the buffalo milk produced in the state of Kedah are of good quality