Chemical Composition of Raw Milk and the Accumulation of Pesticide Residues in Milk Products

Milk and dairy products could be contaminated by pesticides during its handling and processing. So, raw milk samples of buffaloes and cows were analyzed for chemical composition and pesticide residues. Buffaloʹs milk showed higher levels of fat, total protein (T.P), total solids (T.S) and ash than those detected in cowʹs milk. However, lactose content was higher in cowʹs milk than those detected in buffaloʹs milk. Monitoring of pesticide residues in buffaloʹs and cowʹs milk was also investigated. Interestingly, non of the raw milk revealed the presence of any organophosphorous pesticides (malathion, profenofos, pirimiphos-methyl and dimethoate). However, organochlorine (OC) pesticides (HCB, lindane, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane, endrin and DDT) were detected at a value exceeded the tolerance levels of FAO/WHO. Some residues of pesticides were removed with skim milk and butter milk during the production of cream and butter. Samna and yoghurt were found to contain low levels of OC pesticides due to the effect of heat treatment and the precipitate of residues with the by-product (murta).