Abstract
Pre milking udder preparations play an important role in increasing quality and safety of milk. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of implementation of pre milking teat dipping technique by using different chemical sanitizers (Iodophore and Quaternary ammonium compounds QACs). Materials and Methods: Pre-milking udder preparation was carried out in a private small-scale buffalo dairy farm. A total number of 30 dairy buffalo, equal in their milk production and free from clinical and subclinical mastitis, were chosen for this study. They were divided into 3 groups (10 animals each). The first group was used as control group, the second group was treated with Iodophore-based pre-milking udder preparation while, the third group was treated with Quaternary Ammonium Compound-based pre-milking udder preparation. Raw milk samples were collected from individual dairy animals (20 samples) and bulk tank milk (20 samples) after application of the sanitizers for two successive weeks. Each sample was evaluated for prevalence Aerobic mesophilic count, Coliforms, Staphylococci and Enterococci counts. Results: By the end of the second week of application of sanitizers, the count of aerobic mesophilic count, Coliforms, enterococci and staphylococci counts showed reduction% by 30.22, 36.9, 53.17 and 94.38% for Iodophore-treated group while the Quaternary Ammonium Compound treated group showed reduction% by 22.12, 10.70, 17.71 and 85.41%, respectively in comparing with control group. Conclusion: Our study indicated that Iodophore was better than QACs in reducing the microbial counts of tested milk samples as Iodophore efficacy has a long-term residual disinfection including bacterial re-growth and biofilm control.

Key words: Milk, microbial quality, pre- milking preparation, QACs, Iodophore