*2.4. Microbial Analyses*

The populations of different microbial groups were estimated by the pour plate method using selective growth media and incubation conditions as follows: total mesophilic microflora on Plate Count Agar at 30 ◦C for 72 h; coliforms on Violet Red Bile Agar at 37 ◦C for 24 h; thermophilic lactococci on M17 Agar at 42 ◦C for 48 h; thermophilic lactobacilli on MRS Agar at 42 ◦C for 72 h; yeasts and molds on Yeast Glucose Chloramphenicol Agar at 25 ◦C for 72 h; aerobic spore forming microorganisms on Soluble Nutrition Agar at 42 ◦C for 48 h; anaerobic spore forming microorganisms on Reinforced Clostridia Medium at 42 ◦C for 14 days anaerobically.
