The competitiveness evaluation of milk trademarks on the market of Chelyabinsk region

The milk market in the quarantine conditions associated with the pandemic and the spread of COVID-19 is going through a difficult period, superimposed on a number of pre-existing problems. In particular, the production of raw milk by agricultural producers is growing, while this contradicts the fact that the consumption of milk in the country is falling, and incomes of the population are decreasing. All these factors lead to increased competition in the drinking milk market and determine the relevance of the issues of studying its competitiveness, especially in a specific regional market. Today there is a lack of a comprehensive scientific understanding of methods for assessing the competitiveness of drinking milk presented on the local market. As the purpose of the study, the article stated the assessment of the competitiveness of drinking milk brands, the most common in the market of Chelyabinsk region. As a result of scientific research, a quantitative expert assessment of quality was determined and an assessment of competitiveness from a professional objective point of view was carried out by taking into account the quality per unit of money paid. The result of the study was the development of recommendations separately for different target audiences, who can benefit from the results of the study: consumers, retailers and manufacturers.

Animal source food eating habits of outpatients with antimicrobial resistance in Bukavu, D.R. Congo

Background Antibiotic resistance is a public health concern in Democratic Republic Congo and worldwide. It is usually caused by antibiotic over prescription or dispensing practices. The consumption of animal source food (ASF) could be another source of antibiotic resistance but is rarely studied. The objective of the study was to evaluate the eating habits of ASF by outpatients with antimicrobial resistance through an analysis of (i) the association of their antimicrobial resistance with ASF consumption; (ii) the influence of the types of ASF on their antimicrobial resistance. Methods This is a retrospective analytical study conducted at three major Hospitals in Bukavu City (D. R. Congo). A total number of 210 patients, whose samples (mainly faeces and urine) had been subjected to bacterial examination, was included in this study. Morphological, biochemical and antibiotic susceptibility (using disc diffusion method) tests were performed on the samples. This served to isolate and identify resistant bacteria. Afterwards, patients responded to questions about the types and quantity of ASF eaten in the last week. We analysed data using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and non-parametric ranking tests. Results Escherichia coli (37.1%), Klebsiella pneumonae (14.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (13.8%) were the most prevalent bacteria. E. coli (68.4%) and K. pneumonae (87.5%) were multidrug resistant (MDR), while S. aureus (7.7%) was minor. Low beef (O.R. 0.737, C.I. 0.542–1.002) and pork (O.R. 0.743, C.I. 0.560 – 0.985) consumption led to significantly (p < 0.05) lower risks of resistance to ciprofloxacin. Patients eating three different ASF per week had the highest resistance score (20.67) and high consumption rates of goat meat, pork and milk (41.5%). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest a contribution of human nutrition to antimicrobial resistance frequency. Our results show the existence of a high prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in patients for which eating beef, pork and drinking milk are major risk factors. Therefore, a stricter control of antibiotic usage in livestock production and of their presence in ASF is recommended.

Water Consumption in the Automatic Milking Systems

The article deals with the determination of water consumption at selected dairy farms during milking using automatic milking systems (AMS). The aim was to determine the water consumption during basic activities associated with the AMS use, namely water for cleaning the milking set and water for cleaning and disinfecting the entire milking system at set daily intervals (hereinafter water). The research was carried out at seven farms in the Czech Republic, which house dairy cows of the black-spotted Holstein cattle. The evaluated groups of dairy cows had from 97 to 103 milked cows for the entire monitored period. Based on the performed measurements, it was found that the average amount of water consumed by AMS per 1 litre of milked milk was 0.33 litres. The results show that water consumption is not completely constant during the year. Multiple factors, including performance, the number of non-drinking milk detections, animal health and current climatic conditions, influence it.

Cross-Sectional Study on Prevalence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Specific RNA and Anti-MERS-RBD in Camel Milk from Different Regions of Saudi Arabia

Background: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes viral pneumonia disease in humans. The close contact with camels and drinking milk may cause Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus transfer to humans. Methods: This study was designed to detect the existence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in camel milk samples collected from healthy animals according to local customs from 83 barns located around Saudi Arabia. Camel milk samples were examined for viral RNA by RT-qPCR, also ELISA assay was performed to detect IgG antibodies directed against MERS Receptor-Binding Protein (RBD).Results: Among 83 camel milk samples tested,the result showed that seven samples (8.4%) were positive for MERS-CoV RNA, while 40.9% of camel milk samples had antibodies directed against this virus.Conclusions: The findings indicate that some regions (East and South part) are characterized by a high incidence of viral antibodies. The South western region displayed the lowest infection rates. Camel breed Sahilia seems to be resistant to viral infection as compared to other breeds such as Hamra. This need to be more explored in order to reduce spread of infection and also to understand the underlying reasons. The presence of viral RNA in camel milk samples warrants for measures to prevent possible food-borne transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus through milk consumption.

Milk Alternatives. What Advice should Dental Professionals be Giving?

Drinking milk-like fluids made from plant-based materials, such as soya, nuts and peas, is an increasing trend within the population, and regular consumption of these non-dairy alternatives may increase the risk of developing caries. This article focuses on current research relating to caries risk and consumption of milk-like products, and also investigates the sugar content of milk alternatives available in the UK. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Frequent sugar attacks causes caries. Dentists need to be aware of milk and milk alternatives for some may contribute to the development of caries, and this should form part of their caries risk assessment.