Changes in the Microflora of Bovine Colostrum During Natural Fermentation

Abstract
Colostrum from five cows was collected and pooled separately and allowed to ferment naturally for 21 days. During this time the pH decreased and was approximately 4.0 at the end of the fermentation. The titratable acidity of the colostrum at this time was 1.5% or more. Numbers of total aerobic bacteria, fecal streptococci, coliform bacteria, and gram-negative bacteria increased rapidly during the first 2–3 days of fermentation. After several days of reasonable stability, numbers of aerobic bacteria and coliform bacteria declined, whereas numbers of fecal streptococci and gram-negative bacteria remained fairly constant. The number of yeasts and molds increased much more slowly than did those of bacteria and in some instances growth of these organisms was still evident when the fermentation was terminated.

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