Preservative plants and preservation methods of milk and milk products in South Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted to know the indigenous knowledge on the traditional milk handling practice and to identify the milk preservative plants used around Dessie administrative city. A total of one hundred twenty women, twenty from each of the six kebeles were individually interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. Moreover, samples of the milk preservative plants were taken from the field to identify their scientific name. The data collected was analyzed by using SPSS software and explained by descriptive statistics. Only few respondents (10%) practice adequate sanitary practices before and after milking. About 57% of the respondents used locally growing milk preservative plants for washing and fumigating their milk equipment used for milking, storing and processing with the intention of extending the fermentation time and provide good flavor for the milk. The major preservative plants to clean the milk vessels were Lippia adoensis, Senecio myriocephalus, Sida cuneifolia, Lhymus schimperi, Hypericum revolutum and Rumex nervosus while the most frequently used plants to smoke milk utensils were Olea Africana,Clerodendrum myricoides, Terminalia brownie, Juniperous procera and ‘Mitie’. Majority of the households of the study area did not carry out adequate milk sanitary practices hence the milk sanitary practices of the area should be improved through community awareness programs. The active ingredients of the identified preservative plants, i.e., the extent and technique of utilization, their efficacy on the microorganisms and impact on the consumer body should be further studied.