Risk factors associated with selected indicators of milk quality in semiarid northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to gain information on quality traits, mainly bacterial and somatic cell counts of bulk milk, produced by small- and medium-scale producers in a semiarid northeastern region of Brazil and to identify and characterize possible risk factors associated with those quality traits. A cross-sectional study was performed on 50 farms. Bulk milk samples were collected for bacterial and somatic cell counts. Additionally, information about farm demographics, general management practices, hygiene, and milking procedures was also obtained. Multivariable analysis using logistic regression was performed with predictors previously identified by univariate analysis using a Fisher's Exact test. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts varied from 3.59 log to 6.95 log cfu/mL, with geometric mean of 5.27 log cfu/mL. Mean total coliform count was 3.27 log (1.52 log to 5.89 log) most probable number (MPN)/mL, whereas mean thermotolerant coliforms was 2.38 log (1.48 log to 4.75 log) MPN/mL. A high positive correlation was observed between aerobic mesophilic bacteria and coliform counts. Although most farms met the standard for the current regulations for total bacteria (88%) and somatic cell counts (94%), nearly half of the producers (46%) would have problems in achieving the 2012 threshold limit for total bacteria count if no improvement in milk quality occurs. Mean value for staphylococci was 3.99 log (2.31 log to 6.24 log) cfu/mL, and Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 33 (66%) farms. Premilking teat-end wash procedure (odds ratio=0.191) and postmilking teat dip (odds ratio=0.67) were associated with lower aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus counts in bulk milk, respectively. Considering that the farm characteristics in this study are representative of the semiarid northeastern region, these findings encourage further investigations for supporting intervention measures intended to improve the quality of milk produced by smallholders.

Condições De Produção De Leite Em Propriedades Familiares Localizadas No Município De Alegre – Es, Brasil

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Quality indicators of tank milk in different production systems of tropical regions

“…This regulation seeks to standardize acceptable levels for hygienic composition and quality of milk in Brazil and is being gradually implemented throughout all regions of the country, according to their peculiarities. Other studies developed such as Sgarbieri (2005), Oliveira et al (2011), andRibeiro Neto et al (2012) have shown that compliance with the requirement levels for milk composition is achievable, despite variations in the analyzed production systems. N = number of observations; SD = standard deviation; CV = coefficient of variation; DDE = defatted dry extract; MUN = milk urea nitrogen; PCAS = casein from total protein; SCC = Somatic cell count; TBC = total bacterial count.…”

Qualidade do leite cru refrigerado e características da produção leiteira na mesorregião oeste paranaense, Brasil

“…Ainda assim, 57,1% destas mesmas unidades produtoras não realizavam pré-dipping e 31,4% não realizavam pós-dipping. A não realização de pré e/ou pós-dipping foi identificada como potencial fator de risco para contamina ção do leite por microrganismos aeróbios mesó filos e Staphylococcus aureus, de acordo com estudo realizado por Oliveira et al (2011). Dentre as amostras que foram sub metidas à CCS, 47,5% estavam acima do limite estabelecido pela legislação (5,0 x 10 5 CS/mL).…”