The microbiological profile of New Zealand sheep milk

There has been little information on the microbial loading for sheep milk, and no standard is set for NZ sheep milk. The microbial loading of sheep milk from NZ suppliers has recently been analysed as part of the six year research programme Boosting Exports of the Emerging NZ Dairy Sheep Industry funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Raw milk contains a number of bacterial species that have the potential to influence the shelf life, sensory quality and safety of the milk and the products derived from it such as cheese and yoghurt.