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In this research, the effect of different thermal processes of milk, pasteurization) 63°C for 30 min, 74°C for 15 s, 95°C for 5 min) and sterilization (120°C for 15 min and 140°C for 2-4 s), on the selective physicochemical, sensory and microbial properties of probiotic yoghurt was investigated during cold storage for 21 days. Results showed that during storage time, syneresis decreased and acidity and redox potential increased (p<0.01). By increasing the severity of thermal processing, the decline in syneresis and redox potential (p<0.01) and the increase in acidity and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus (p<0.05) and Bifidobacterium lactis was observed (p>0.05). Finally, regarding to the highest sensory evaluation and probiotic bacteria viability, the yoghurt sample produced from milk treated at 140°C for 2-4 s was selected as the best sample.
                                                                                                                    
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