Milk production in Ecuador has enormous economic importance and large-, medium- and small-scale producers all participate in the market. There are multiple climatic regions, and dairy production is present in every one of them. High ambient temperatures in the Ecuadorian tropics represent a key challenge to the conservation of milk in the custody of smallholders. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of the application of a chemical activator of the Lactoperoxidase System (LP-s) in the conservation of raw milk, at room temperature, in the Ecuadorian tropics. In the present study
,
sodium thiocyanate
—0.36 g·L
-1
of milk
—and sodium percarbonate—1.36 g·L
-1
of milk
—as an activator of LP-s were used and the pH and microbiological characteristics (total coliforms,
<i>
Staphylococcus aureus
</i>
, total aerobes, molds and yeasts) of the milk at different storage times (0, 4 and 8 hours). The results obtained in the present study showed a significant difference between the two groups under study at 8 hours of storage at room temperature in all parameters (except yeasts where there was no growth in the two treatments), being relevant the significant decrease of the bacterial content. Thus the present study shows that the use of sodium thiocyanate and sodium percarbonate in the above described concentrations could be modulating the activation of LP-s that provides an efficient alternative for the conservation of the raw milk without refrigeration, improving the income for losses of the product and obtaining a raw material of good quality for sale or for further processing, mainly for small producers who do not have the economic resources to have refrigeration means for their product and who must transport their milk for considerably longer distances until they arrive at the collection centers or the processing plants for sale, thus showing that the method used in the present study is not only effective but also has a relatively low cost and easy application.
Lactoperoxidase System Raw Milk Conservation Coliforms1. Introduction
Milk is secreted from the mammary gland of female bovines and constitutes the only nutrition for mammals in the first days of their lives; it is capable of providing energy and nutrients necessary for neonatal development [1] . These nutrients constitute an ideal culture medium for contamination by, and subsequent growth of, bacteria. The resulting decomposition easily converts contaminated milk into a foodstuff that is apt for neither human consumption nor use in manufacturing derivatives [2] . This occurs because milk is secreted from the udder at a temperature of 37˚C―ideal for bacterial growth. Even if bacteria are not present in it initially, milk becomes quickly contaminated by microorganisms in the nearby environment. Notwithstanding precautions taken in the milking process, in the absence of a direct response to contamination, these microorganisms develop and reproduce with ease [1] . Raw milk is defined as milk that has not been submitted to any type of heat and whose temperature has not exceeded 40˚C [3] .
In Ecuador, according to reports by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGAP), 75 percent of milk production is realized in small and medium scale farms (between one and 100 hectares). The majority of these production units do not enjoy ideal conditions for refrigeration and cold-chain storage, for which quality inevitably suffers, and this in turn goes hand-in-hand with product rejections by proces- sing plants or distributors [4] .
Members of the mammalian enzyme family heme peroxidase can detoxify peroxide, afford protection against pathogenic microorganisms and even induce hormone production in the thyroid gland [5] . Lactoperoxidase (LA) is a natural enzyme found in raw milk [2] considered a glycoprotein that contains calcium and iron available in a single polypeptide chain spanning approximately 80 kDa [5] which belongs to the superfamily hemoperoxidase of mammals whose other members include myeloperoxidase (MPO), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO); it possesses a hemo-group attached to a protein via two or three covalent bonds [6] ; it is considered a milk hemoprotein whose function is to act as a protector protein (although it is not considered an immunoglobulin) due to its strong antimicrobial activity [7] . LA, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, catalyzes the reaction of sulfocyanide (also naturally found in milk), which has a bacteriostatic over the majority of bacteria, and even a bactericidal effect in some cases [2] , as was confirmed in three strains of Escherichia coli K12 [8] , and even with antiviral activities [7] . The sulfocyanide ion is a natural component in bovine milk, and whose levels can be artificially increased in order to activate the LP-s of milk preservation. The median concentration varies between 20 and 30 mg/kg, rendering it innocuous [5] [9] . In Latin America, there have been laboratory studies and field tests of the activation of the LP-system (lactoperoxidase-thiocyanate-peroxide of hydrogren) in order to preserve milk through the reduction of the bacterial load and consequently avoid its decomposition and subsequent rejection [10] . Since 2005, this system has been recognized and endorsed by the FAO and WTO, with the scientific backing of Codex Alimentarius [2] .
The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the application of sodium thiocyanate and sodium percarbonate in the milk as an activator of the Lactoperoxidase system (LP-s) for the conservation of raw milk, at ambient temperature, in the Ecuadorian tropics, because is not considered adulterant of the milk, nor is it detected in the quality-control tests for itself [10] [11] [12] aside from being a mechanism approved by the World Health Organization [2] ; too is very important to known an effective and economical alternative in service of the conservation of raw milk in the Ecuadorian tropics, among other locations where the conditions do not permit the use of the refrigeration as a method of conservation of the milk, because it requires higher capital expenditure as well as elevated operational costs, just as much as in locations in where the extant production of milk is extensive, with the goal of augmenting smallholder participation in the production, elaboration and commercialization of dairy products, upon reducing losses by utilizing the LP-s method.
2. Methodology
This study was carried out in the dairy manufacturing plant of the experimental farm “La María” of the Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (240 km southwest of Quito), located in the coastal region of Ecuador, in the province of Los Ríos, a median altitude of 74 mamsl, with temperature oscillating between 20 and 35˚C, and annual precipitation of 2461 cm3.
2.1. Study Design
The study comprised 4 consecutive trials, which consisted of experimental analysis of the pH and microbiology of raw milk at distinct intervals of verification (0, 4, and 8 hours) at the same temperature (ambient between 20˚C and 35˚C). 24 experimental units were utilized, each consisting of one liter of milk collected in sterile plastic container according to the recommendations established in NTE INEN 4 [13] . The milk was collected directly from a common drum of milk that had been freshly extracted from apparently healthy animals of the experimental farm of the university. Of the 24 experimental units, 12 received the activator of the LP-s and the following 12 did not receive the activator. These were subsequently monitored in the times and temperatures indicated above; 4 repetitions were realized (Table 1). The activator of the LP-s was formed from the following compounds: sodium thiocyanate (0.36 g) and sodium percarbonate (1.36 g) per liter of milk. Two conditions of conservation of the milk were observed: raw milk (Control―T0) and raw milk incorporated the activator of the LP-s (Treatment 1―T1), the same that was analyzed under a completely randomized design.
After monitoring at the 0-, 4- and 8-hour intervals, samples were taken to realize the laboratory analyses, in order to determine pH and bacterial levels. The tests were performed in the Laboratory of Bromatology and in the Laboratory of Microbiology of the Department of Animal Sciences Engineering at the Universidad Estatal de Quevedo. The pH was determined through the use of pH meter; the count of total coliforms in accordance with the instructions of the technical documentation of Petrifilm CC plates, and the reading according the AOAC‚ Official Methods SM 986.33, 989.10 and 991.14; the total aerobes based on the technical documentation of Petrifilm 3M plates; Staphylococcus aureus according to the instructions in the technical documentation of Petrifilm 3M plates, and the incubation in accordance with the AOAC Official Methods 2003.08 for counts in dairy products; mold and yeast by way of Petrifilm 3M plates, and the incubation according to the AOAC Official Methods SM 997.02 for foodstuffs.
Milk density was measured according to the established protocols in NTE 11:84, via of the method of the thermo lacto densimeter. The measurement of fat content was realized based on the Gerber Method, specifically as detailed in NTE INEN 12:73.
2.2. Statistical Analysis
In order to development the statistical analysis and determine if there was a statistically significant difference between the treatments, ANOVA was used for the
Treatment and control arms
TREATMENT
EVALUATION TIME
CODE
#
EU/
EU/
REP
Liters
TREAT
Control (T0)
Raw milk
0 hours
C 0
4
1
4
4 hours
C 4
4
1
4
8 hours
C 8
4
1
4
Treatment 1
Raw milk + activator LP-s
0 hours
T1 0
4
1
4
(T1)
4 hours
T1 4
4
1
4
8 hours
T1 8
4
1
4
TOTAL:
24
EU: Experimental unit. TREAT: Treatment. REP: Repetitions. LP-s: Lactoperoxidase system.
differences in pH and the difference in medians applying a Waller-Duncan test with a significance level of α≤ 0.05 and Rating test for non-parametric variables.
3. Results
The results with respect to the physio-chemical characteristics showed marked differences in pH that are significant at the 5 percent level according to the Waller-Duncan test (Table 2). The pH normal of the milk oscillates between 6.6 a 6.8, varying as a function of the method of conservation and the time of storage. The milk without the activator of the LP-s registered a pH of: 6.71, 6.4 and 6.13 a the 0, 4 and 8 hours of storage respectively, while with the addition of the activator of the LP-s the pH maintained values of 6.74, 6.73, and 6.68, a the 0, 4 and 8 hours of storage respectively; these values show that the use of the activator of the LP-s maintained a stable pH in the treated milk, compared to the milk without the activator.
With respect to the microbiological characteristics in this study, the total coliform presence was elevated in milk without the added activator of the LP system; values of 100.5, 338.75 and 477.25 × 103CFU/cm3 were registered at 0, 4 and 8 hours of storage, respectively. Meanwhile, with the addition of the LP-s, coliforms reached values of 51.25, 123 and 295.50 × 103 CFU/cm3 at 0, 4 and 8 hours of storage, respectively (Table 2). The presence of Staphylococcus aureus was higher in milk without the addition of the activator of the LP-s, reaching values of 31.50, 102.25 and 160.25 CFU/cm3 at the 0, 4 and 8 hours of storage. With the addition of the LP-s activator, the presence of Staphylococcus aureus showed values of 19.50, 14 and 58.75 CFU/cm3 at the 0-, 4- and 8-hour intervals of sto- rage, respectively (Table 2). Total aerobic presence was elevated in the milk
Results of the study with respect to pH and microbiological tests of milk submitted to the action of the LP-s in interaction with the different times of storage
Variables
Treatments by hours of application
sign
T0H0
T0H4
T0H8
T1H0
T1H4
T1H8
pH
6.71
A
6.40
b
6.13
c
6.74
A
6.73
a
6.68
a
**
Total coliforms CFU/cm3
100.5
cd
338.75
ab
477.25
a
51.25
D
123.0
bcd
295.5
abc
**
S aureus CFU/cm3
31.50
bc
102.25
ab
160.25
a
19.50
bc
14.00
c
58.75
bc
**
Total aerobes CFU/cm3
243.75
B
434.75
ab
618.25
a
209.5
B
308.3
b
418.5
ab
**
Mold CFU/cm3
12.75
bc
14.25
bc
28.50
a
9.50
C
10.25
bc
18.00
ab
**
Yeasts CFU/cm3
0.00
A
0.00
a
0.00
a
0.00
A
0.00
a
0.00
a
ns
Similar key do not differ significantly according to the Waller Duncan al 5%. T0: Control treatment. ns: No significant difference. **: Difference highly significant. sig: Significance. CFU: Colony Forming Units.
without the addition of the activator of the LP-s, as seen in the values of 243.75, 434.75 and 618.250 CFU/cm3 respectively registered at the 0-, 4- and 8-hour storage intervals, while with the addition of the activator of the LP-s the presence of total aerobes reached values of 209.50, 308.25 and 418.50 CFU/cm3 at the respective intervals (Table 2).
The presence of mold was higher in milk without addition of the LP-s, registering values of 12.75, 14.25 and 28.50 CFU/cm3 at 0-, 4- and 8-hours of storage, respectively. Meanwhile, with the addition of the activator of the LP-s, the presence of mold recorded values of 9.50, 10.25 and 18.00 CFU/cm3 at the 0-, 4- and 8-hours of storage, respectively (Table 2). With respect to yeasts, no microorganisms were found in any of the treatments.
Neither the analysis of density nor the percentage fat provided evidence of significant differences in either of the treatments, indicating that the addition of the activator of LP-s as a preservative does not influence the physio-chemical characteristics of milk even at eight hours of storage.
4. Discussion
In the current study, as shown in Table 2, with respect to pH, the results with respect to the group with the activator of the LP-s, are within of the normal limits of raw milk (between 6.6 and 6.8) [1] [14] [15] , which does not occur with the results obtained in the control group, in which only initial readings indicate a normal pH (6.71), later diminishing significantly in the following hours, demonstrating that milk stored for some hours at ambient room temperature is susceptible to various external factors affecting the hydrogen potential [1] . This concords with studies by Galeano-López [12] in Nicaragua; although, in the aforementioned study the authors did not take as a standard reference the pH, but rather the acidity of the milk, demonstrating that the milk that contains the LP-s conserves the acidity of the milk in normal values. acidity between 0.15 - 0.17 percent of lactic acid, while the milk without the activator saw the acidity gradually increase to 0.25 percent lactic acid, up from 0.18 percent; these parameters fall outside of the normal range articulated in NTE INEN 9 [3] . Other studies also have determined that the milk with the activator maintains the acidity of the milk in normal parameters (until 0.18% for 12 hours), while untreated milk exceeds this value after some hours at ambient temperature. According to Ponce [11] the LP-s inhibit the effect of proteolysis, lipolysis and the fermentation of the lactose (in lactic acid), maintaining the milk components stable for 12 hours, due to the reduction of the secretion of enzymes with said characteristics in the milk.
With respect to the presence of coliforms and total aerobes, a significant difference was observed between the treatments (a the 4 and 8 hours), signifying that the utilization of the activator of the LP-s permitted a reduction in the presence of microorganisms in milk. These data coincide with those of Galeano- López [12] in which the samples with the activator of the LP-s (similar to those used in this present study) show normal values in reductase, while the control (T0) samples show a reduced time for reduction of the methylene blue, due to bacterial multiplication. The data are also harmonious with the results obtained by Sepúlveda and Múñoz [10] , who found significant differences with respect to the bacterial count between samples of milk with the activator of the LP-s (similar to that used in our study) and without which, at 12 hours of storage, since said samples presented initially low levels (0 hours), with a median of 30.000 CFU/ml for LC and of 36.846 CFU/ml, respectively; following 12 hours at ambient temperature (between 28˚C and 32˚C), there was a higher bacterial count observed in both groups, with a median of 2.56 × 106 CFU/ml in the control (T0) and of just 0.68 × 106 CFU/ml in the samples with the activator included. Similarly, Ponce [11] demonstrated that the activation of the LP-s had in effect the count of total coliforms and of viable mesophiles, due to the bacteriostatic effect with a light reduction of bacterial load at the beginning, and increasing its bactericidal potential after 4 hours of the inoculation of the activator, arriving at its maximum expression at the 9 hours and later diminished upon reaching 12 hours. In his study, the control (T0) obtained an initial count of 6.2 × 104 CFU/ml, which gradually increased to 1.85 × 105 CFU/ml at the 3-hour mark, 2.3 × 106 CFU/ml at 6 hours, 2.5 × 107 CFU/ml at 9 hours and 6.2 × 107 CFU/ml at 12 hours; meanwhile, the group with the activator of the LP-s (T1) had an initial count of 5.0 × 104 CFU/ml, rising to only 5.1 × 104 CFU/ml at 3 hours, 5.0 × 104 CFU/ml at 6 hours, 5.5 × 104 CFU/ml at 9 hours and 9.8 × 105 CFU/ml a the 12 hours. These results coincide with other investigations in which the activation of the LP-s also affects the count of total coliforms and aerobic mesophiles, which confirms the ability to conserve the quality of the milk and the combination of bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects, as much in mesophiles as it is in coliforms, demonstrated in cow milk by Spiegeleer et al. [16] and Schlorke et al [8] . Studies realized in camelid milk indicate that the response is similar after the use of activators of the LP-s, showing no difference between the different species of mammals of productive interest [17] , suggesting that the activator system utilized in this trial could also be used in the milk originating from goats and sheep, species that also have roles in dairy production. This confirms that the activation of the LP-s reduces bacterial growth, showing a bacteriostatic effect, for which the milk did not acidify easily, avoiding economic losses for the producers.
With respect to the reduction of the presence Staphylococcus aureus, our data coincide with those of Kamau, Doores and Pruitt [18] , who determined that the LP-s improved the thermic destruction of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, especially if the activation of the LP-s is followed by heating, raising the safety margin with respect to the pathogens transmitted by milk; it also has a significant effect on Escherichia coli K12 [8] and in various viruses [7] . It even demonstrated that the products of the oxidation of the thiocyanate because the lactoperoxidase inhibits gram-positive bacteria that produce peroxide, and even that they are paragram-negative bactericides (Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli), as long as the peroxide is administered exogenously.
With respect molds and yeasts our results coincide with those Popper and Knorr [19] , their results showed with the lactoperoxidase (LPO) system with glucose oxidase (GOD) as source of hydrogen peroxide, it diminishes the initial counts of molds and yeasts, showing a clear antifungal activity.
The use of the activator of the LP-s is not detected in the quality control tests to detect the presence of preservatives and of hydrogen peroxide, realized by industry as well as official organisms, and as such is not considered an adulterant of milk [10] [11] [12] apart from being a mechanism approved by the World Health Organization [2] , being convenient especially for the small-scale of the Ecuador tropics or of other parts of the world with the same geographic characteristics. The activation of the lactoperoxidase system possess a bacteriostatic activity in raw milk up until 8 hours a 30˚C [11] , raising the threshold of time for the safe transportation of milk from farmgate to market in the absence of refrigeration [12] .
5. Conclusion
This study shows that the use of sodium thiocyanate―0.36 g/liter of milk―and sodium percarbonate―1.36g/liter of milk―can be an activator of the Lactoperoxidase system (LP-s) and promote the conservation of the raw milk in the Ecuadorian tropics, maintaining stable the pH and microbiological characteristics at ambient temperature. The utilization of the activator of the LP-s permitted in turn the financial return in its sale, offering the opportunity for small-scale producers without access to refrigeration to minimize economic losses due to discarded product along the value chain by applying this method. Also, this study indicates that the cost of conservation for each 40 liters of milk is USD $0.25.
Acknowledgements
To the Universidad Estatal de Quevedo and to Ing. Cristian Vallejo for all of the facilities provided in the course of this study.
Cite this paper
Campos-Vallejo, M., Puga-Torres, B., Núñez-Naranjo, L., De la Torre-Duque, D., Morales-Arciniega, S. and Vayas, E. (2017) Evaluation of the Use of Sodium Thiocyanate and Sodium Percarbonate in the Activation of the Lactoperoxidase System in the Conservation of Raw Milk without Refrigeration in the Ecuadorian Tropics. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 8, 526-534. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2017.85036
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