Assessment of some chemical quality of raw cow's milk (fresh) in the Al-Jafara region

Abstract

This study aimed to assess some of the chemical quality of fresh raw cow's milk and its conformity to the Libyan standard specification for 44 samples collected directly from raw milk collection centers and some dairy farms in the Al-Jafara region during July 2025. Visual inspection upon direct receipt confirmed that the milk was clean, fresh, free of visible impurities, and normal in color, odor, taste, and consistency. The results also showed that the average percentages of solids, non-fat solids, fat, protein, pH, and acidity were 10.86%, 8.61%, 2.19%, 3.05%, 6.56%, and 0.15%, respectively. Which indicate conformity the non-fat solids, acidity, and pH for all samples and non-conformity of fat for all samples (100%) with permissible limits in Libyan Standard Specification No. 354-2013. Furthermore, the results confirmed the presence of veterinary drug residues in the raw milk in 5 samples (11.36%), and the milk stability test (Alcohol coagulation Alc 75%) confirmed that all the samples used have the ability to withstand pasteurization or sterilization without coagulation or clumping occurring. The non-conformity result could be due to the type of feed used in feeding the cows, considering that the cows in this period are fed on dry feeds, and to other factors such as the type of cattle, breed, the stage of lactation, the age of the animal, and diseases especially mastitis. Therefore, this type of milk can only be used in the manufacture of partially skimmed milk or completely skimmed pasteurized milk, or in some different types of dairy industries.