Milk quality is an important factor in assessing the performance of dairy chains. It is defined by chemical components such as fat and protein contents that are a result of feeding practices, breed, and lactation stage. Another crucial parameter of milk quality is its hygienic profile, which encompasses the contamination levels and distributions of microorganisms within farm or processing areas. Raw milk (milk that has not undergone pasteurization) can carry a higher microbial load compared to pasteurized milk, which can pose a food safety risk.

These contamination levels are closely associated with udder health and pre-milking hygiene conditions. Bacterial communities present in the dairy environment have the potential to contaminate raw milk and subsequently affect the safety and quality of processed dairy products. It has been hypothesized that different farming management systems can significantly influence the distribution of microbial communities, thereby impacting the quality and safety of milk and milk products.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between dairy farming practices, food microbiology, and milk quality. More information about various farm management systems can help understand the microbial diversity on farms and its impact on milk contamination by bacteria. Furthermore, the collection will explore the effectiveness of different management approaches, identify successful strategies, and highlight areas where improvement is needed to enhance milk safety and quality.

We welcome Original Research and Reviews highlighting recent advances in all aspects of dairy farming that influence the quality of raw milk and milk products, including:
• Impact of farming management practices on milk contamination, such as herd health, milking procedures and sanitation practices;
• Characterization of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria associated with milk contamination, with studies focusing on transmission routes and survival mechanisms of these bacteria throughout the dairy chain;
• Intervention strategies and mitigation measures to reduce microbial contamination in dairy farming, including probiotics, antimicrobial treatments and hygiene practices.

This Research Topic was coordinated by Dr. Tanushree B Gupta, Senior Scientist at AgResearch.

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Frontiers in Microbiology

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