Potential use of lactoperoxidase milk preservation method in Tanzania

Abstract

Milk cooling facilities are poorly developed in Tanzania. In order to establish alternative milk preservation methods, a study on methods currently being used for preservation of milk by various stakeholders in Tanzania was conducted. Information was collected from 37 respondents. Results showed that milk handled by the 37 respondents in the flush and dry season was 47,097 and 34,402 litres per day respectively. Only 2704 litres of milk was cooled the rest was not cooled. Only 7% of the respondents used milk cooling tanks, 20% boil the milk, 33% used freezers and refrigerators while 40% had none. About 60% of respondents collected milk in the morning, 3% collected in the evening and 37% collected milk both morning and evening. Reasons for not receiving evening milk was lack of cooling facilities (39%), marketing problems (25%) and distance was a problem for 22% of the respondents. Milk supplies to the milk collection centers were 6,266 litres/day during the flush season and 4,775 litres/day during dry season. Milk prices were 183 and 169 T.sh/l in the dry and flush season respectively and the mode of transport were bicycles and by foot within a distance of 5-10 km. Willingness to meet the cost of the new technology based on use of the lactoperoxidase system (LPS) technology showed that 52% were ready if the cost of the LPS treatment would be 5 T.shs/litre and 32% if the price would be 10 T.sh per liter. About 80% respondent were willing to participate in the use of LPS technology only if they were given more information about the technology. From the these results it can be concluded that there is a need for alternative milk preservation system other than refrigeration which presently is not available in some rural settings.