Domestic Balkan donkeys' milk: Microbiological, chemical and sensory properties

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate microbiological, chemical and sensory properties of raw donkeys' milk from an autochthonous breed originated from Serbia. Changes in microbial flora during the six days of storage at 4 °C were monitored by enumeration of total count of bacteria, yeasts and moulds, coagulase positive staphylococci, lactic acid bacteria, bacterial endospores, E.coli, C. perfringens and Salmonella spp. Descriptive method was used for determination of sensory properties. Descriptive terms were developed to describe appearance (colour), flavour, taste and aftertaste. Chemical analyses included determination of protein, milk fat, dry matter, lactose and vitamin C content. After five days of storage at 4 °C microbiological quality of the raw Domestic Balkan donkeys' milk was in accordance with the requirements of European Regulation. The obtained results indicate strong antimicrobial activity of the tested milk and longer shelf-life in comparison to other raw milk sources. Sensory properties of the tested milk were in accordance with changes in microbial flora. High vitamin C content, low protein and milk fat content make the tested milk a valuable potential component of functional food.