Microbiological Qualities of Goat Milk Obtained under Different Milking Systems at a Smallholder Dairy Farm in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background and Objective: In Indonesia, smallholder dairy farms contribute 20.37% of domestic market. A small portion of these farms is from goat dairy farms that are traditionally managed with poor sanitation during milking and improper storage management. This system causes contamination that can affect consumer health and cause financial loss. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of goat milk obtained under different milking systems at a smallholder dairy farm in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 20 crossbred dairy goats divided into two groups: Group A and B. In Group A, milking was conducted manually. In Group B, milking was conducted using a bucket milking machine. Total Plate Count (TPC) and the presence of Enterobacteriaceae (EB), Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella were assessed. Data obtained were analyzed using a t-test. Results: The results showed that TPC and EB were higher in Group A than in Group B. In Groups A and B, 80% (8/10) of samples contained STEC and 30% (3/10) contained Salmonella. Phylogenetic analysis showed that partial sequencing of amplified genomic DNA using stx1 primers had more than 90% similarity with several sequences of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain Shiga toxin subunit 1A (stx1A) and Shiga toxin subunit 1B (stx1B). Moreover, partial sequencing of amplified genomic DNA using 16S rRNA primers had more than 90% similarity with several sequences of S. enterica. Conclusion: The results conclude that hygienic and sanitary practices in smallholder dairy goat farming are still poor as shown by the presence of pathogenic bacteria.