Which factor would cause the Standard Plate Count to increase in milk samples?

Which factor would cause the Standard Plate Count to increase in milk samples?

• A. Improved milking machine cleaning
• B. Poor milking machine cleaning
• C. Freezing milk
• D. Use of antibiotic milk

Answer: (B)

The Standard Plate Count measures the number of viable bacteria present in milk. Factors that introduce contamination or fail to control microorganisms will raise this count. Poor milking machine cleaning leaves bacteria and biofilms in the equipment; when milk passes through, those organisms are carried into the milk and can multiply, leading to higher plate counts. In contrast, good cleaning reduces bacterial load and lowers the count. Freezing milk tends to reduce viability, not increase it, and antibiotics in milk inhibit bacterial growth, which would also lower the observed count rather than raise it.

The Standard Plate Count measures the number of viable bacteria present in milk. Factors that introduce contamination or fail to control microorganisms will raise this count. Poor milking machine cleaning leaves bacteria and biofilms in the equipment; when milk passes through, those organisms are carried into the milk and can multiply, leading to higher plate counts. In contrast, good cleaning reduces bacterial load and lowers the count. Freezing milk tends to reduce viability, not increase it, and antibiotics in milk inhibit bacterial growth, which would also lower the observed count rather than raise it.