A Comparative Study of Raw Buffalo Milk Components from Two Sources: Local Markets and Buffalo Breeders' Fields in Shatrah City

A study was conducted in Shatrah City, Iraq, from April 1 to August 1, 2022, to compare and evaluate the physicochemical Composition of raw buffalo milk from two sources: local markets (including street vendors and dairy shops) and buffalo breeders' fields. 100 raw buffalo milk samples were collected, with 50 samples from each source. The results showed that raw buffalo milk samples from breeders' fields had significantly higher (p < 0.05) fat, solid non-fat, protein, lactose, total solids, ash, and milk density than those from local markets. In contrast, raw buffalo milk samples from local markets had significantly (p < 0.05) higher water content (moisture) than those from breeders' fields. The mean values of fat, solid non-fat, protein, lactose, total solids, water, ash, and density in samples from breeders' fields and local markets were as follows: (31.33±0.590, 0.62±0.0142, 85.98±0.312, 14.01±0.312, 4.97±0.122, 3.28±0.073, 8.89±0.204, 5.25±0.150) ((24.42±0.745, 0.49±0.016, 90.22±0.256, 9.76±0.251, 3.92±0.125, 2.59±0.083, 6.99±0.225, 2.77±0.130), respectively. The study results indicated that some vendors in the local markets of Shatrah City (street vendors and dairy shops) adulterated raw buffalo milk to increase their profit margins by adding water, partially removing fat, or using other readily available adulteration methods.