Season Influence on Milk Physico-Chemical Characteristics

Abstract

The influence of seasonal variations on milk composition might be contingent upon many variables, including geographical location, climatic conditions, cow breed, and farm management strategies. The objective of this research is to examine the correlation between the season, quality, and safety of bovine milk via the assessment of physical-chemical parameters and the somatic cell count. The milk samples were collected on a weekly basis from the cooling tanks of a farm located in the northeastern region of Romania. The parameters were assessed via the use of rapid analytical procedures that require minimal reagent usage and accessible analysis expenses. Based on the findings of the study, it was determined that seasonality exerted a notable influence on the milk's quality. Specifically, the cold season displayed higher levels of fat, protein, casein, and lactose compared to the warm season. Additionally, in the cold season a lower quantity of somatic cells (SCC) in comparison to the warm season was observed.