Physical Properties of

Milk

Physical Property
A physical property is any property
that is measurable whose value describes
a state of a physical system.

FT 114 - Dairy Products Technology |

Jan Isobel Hidalgo | SY 14-15

Physical Properties of Milk

Appearance
Density
Freezing Point
pH

Appearance
Color
Bluish white to brownish yellow
Colloidal dispersion
Breed and feed of the cow

Milk Color

Yellowish color

Carotene and riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Greenish yellow of whey

Riboflavin

Influenced by diet (cows feed)

Breed

FT 114 - Dairy Products Technology |

Jan Isobel Hidalgo | SY 14-15

Density
1027 1033 kg/m3 at 20C
Density of milk varies with fat, SNF
values and the temperature of the milk
checked
convert volume into mass and vice
versa
estimate the solids content
calculate other physical properties

Freezing Point
-0.512 to -0.550 C
Depends largely on the lactose, protein
and mineral content
Used to determine adulteration of
water
Determine lactose content in milk,
estimate whey powder contents in skim
milk powder

pH
6.5 6.7
Low pH means presence of lactic acid
bacteria

FT 114 - Dairy Products Technology |

Jan Isobel Hidalgo | SY 14-15

Guernsey

Jersey

Holstein

Ayrshire

FT 114 - Dairy Products Technology |

Jan Isobel Hidalgo | SY 14-15