Microbiological quality and somatic cells of in natura milk produced in Alagoas State, Brazil

Abstract

Raw milk is a food with great consumption and economic value in Brazil. However, is susceptible of contamination by pathogenic bacteria. The aimed of this study was to evaluate the quality of in natura milk based on microbiological in three dairy farms, somatic cells counting (SCC), bacterial counting and his physical-chemical composition. Were made the following microbiological analysis: counting of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, coliforms at 30 ºC, coliforms at 45 ºC, Staphylococcus spp., Listeria spp., and SCC. The physical-chemical analysis was fat, protein, lactose, total solids, urea, and casein. There was no evidence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli were identified in any samples. In accordance to the microbiological standards established by Normative Instruction 76 only coliforms 30 ºC and 45 ºC counts were above the standards. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) between the three farms studied regarding most microbiological aspects. Also, was observed difference (p≤0.05) for most of physical-chemical aspects. Overall, the milk produced in the regions of Alagoas State fails to meet just a constant criterion in the current legislation.

Post-dipping in Milk Production, Composition, and Quality

“…Microbiological analysis revealed that the etiology of the subclinical mastitis of the two farms was due to two genera of microorganisms, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These agents are classified into infectious subclinical mastitis [3,12], where contamination occurs at the moment of milking, mainly by the hand of the milk and utensils. The result obtained shows that the most active agent of the pathology was Staphylococcus spp.…”

“…Subclinical mastitis can be diagnosed by the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and by laboratory tests that detect milk somatic cell count (SCC), milk from mast cells has high SCC, and a large industrial scale loss due to problems in the production of derivatives [2]. In addition, they can manifest in the function of failures in the animals' management [3] Post-dipping is one of the most effective measures of control of subclinical mastitis, which consists in the application of an antimicrobial agent, to disinfect and protect the ceilings, after milking, of the possible action of microorganisms from the external environment such as the microbiota of the animal's skin.…”