Microbial Assessment of Raw Milk of Some Female Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

In this research aliquots from gallon-full samples of raw camel milk (M1-M5) that were obtained from five domesticated female camels (Camelus dromedarius) at Kwalkwalawa village of Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria were analysed for their microbial content using standard methods. The samples were obtained by hand milking of female camel udders after its thorough cleaning and sterilization at early morning time. Milk samples were inoculated on General Purpose Media, (GMP) and selective media to investigate their microbial presence. Results of performed microbial investigation established the presence of Escherichia coli sub spp 0157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in (M1). In the remaining milk samples (M2, M3, M4 and M5), only Staphylococcus aureus was detected. Thus, conclusively quality of the studied milk samples showed microbial contamination contracted possibly during processing and or its transportation to the laboratory. Raw camel milk therefore, should be used with caution.