Full explanation
Methods: (1) classical agar plating per DSTU 7089:2009 (3 days); (2) direct Fossomatic fluorescence counting (5 min). Typical high-TPC causes: (1) poor milking-system cleaning — milk residue is a growth medium, bacteria multiply 100–1000× in 12 h; (2) cooling-tank temperature >6°C; (3) subclinical mastitis; (4) contaminated milking environment; (5) poor teat prep before/after milking. High-grade milk standards: before milking — hot (40–45°C) hydrogen peroxide + iodine teat dip; after milking — protect teats from ambient bacteria for 15–30 min. Post-session: cold-water rinse, hot (75–80°C) alkaline wash (NaOH 0.5–1%), acid wash every 2–3 days. Ukrainian processors pay an Extra grade premium of ~UAH 0.80–1.50/kg above Superior.