Evaluation Of Microbiological And Hygienic Quality Of Raw Sheep Milk And Detection Of Antibiotic Residues

Sheep milk is more acceptable to the human digestive system in comparison to cow’s and goat’s milk. This study aims the assessment of microbiological quality of sheep milk from Sardi breed of Morocco and detection of antibiotic residues. To conduct the study, 100 samples were collected in six moroccan regions. The enumeration of the microbial flora in raw sheep milk was carried out according to the standard method (deep inoculation). The bactéria isolated were identified by classical and molecular methods. T°, pH and titratable acidity were determined. To detect the presence of antibiotic residues in the raw sheep milk tested, we carried out a rapid test using Delvotest® BLF marketed by DSM and HygiAlim. Raw sheep milk tested had a variable charge of FMAT from 2.1×10 cfu/ml in Sidi Kacem to 9.4×10 cfu/ml in the Kalaa of Sraghna. The maximum loads of total coliforms (1.2×10 cfu/m), fecal coliforms (2x104 cfu/ml) and Enterobacteriaceae (2x10) were also detected in the Kalaa of Sraghna wihle fecal streptococci maximum charge (8.9x10) has been registered in Azilal. Lactic acid bacteria, yeast and fungi were detected in all milk samples with high mean count. A total absence of Sulphite Reducing Clostridia (SRC), Salmonella and Shigelle was noted. Microbiological and sanitary quality of sheep milk tested is generally satisfactory, not exceeding the values recommended by the AFNOR quality standards. 125 bacteria of which 21 are Enterobacteriaceae, 21 are Staphylococci and 83 are lactic acid bacteria (LAB) could be identified. The average temperature value was around 57.15 °C, the pH (6.56) and the titratable acidity (3.4 °D). Results of research for antibiotics residues samples in sheep milk tested showed that only 12% of samples were contaminated with antibiotics residues. Samples affected are in large number in Chaouia Ouardigha (4%) followed by Casablanca, Marrakech and Tadla-Azilal (2%, 2 %, 2% respectively) and El Gharb and Rabat Sale Zemmour Zair regions (1%, 1% successively). Since consuming sheep milk is nutritionally beneficial to custumers, It is necessary to give more interest to this type of milk, especially that there are no sheep milk industries in Morocco, it just use for family consumption.