Biochemical Analysis of Buffalo Milk Available in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

A comparative analysis was carried out on 25 fresh buffalo milk samples collected from various locations in Karachi, Pakistan and 6 processed milk samples of different brands. An array of biochemical tests were conducted to detect different adulterants in milk samples. These tests included urea, pulverized soap, salt, starch, sugar, formalin, skim milk, catalase, and acidity or lactic acid tests. The processed milk samples showed the presence of urea, sugar, formalin, and skim milk, whereas these substances were either absent or present in insignificant amounts in the fresh milk samples. The lactic acid test was used to determine the bacterial load in the milk, and a value greater than 0.14% was deemed unhealthy. All 6 processed milk samples had lactic acid greater than 0.14%, whereas 6 out of 25 fresh milk samples exceeded this limit, with the remaining 20 samples falling within the range of 0.12-0.14%. The presence of salt, specifically chlorides, was also examined, with inconclusive results. The remaining tests for starch, catalase, and pulverized soap were negative in both raw and processed milk samples.