CHARACTERIZE OF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND MILK QUALITY OF PRODUCTION UNITS IN THE SEMIARID REGION OF CEARÁ

Ângela Maria De Vasconcelos,Robson Mateus Freitas Silveira,Tereza Cristina Lacerta Gomes,Daniele Alves De Farias,Aline Vieira Landim,Thays Paulina Martins

doi:10.1590/1809-6891v19e-52844

Ângela Maria De Vasconcelos, Robson Mateus Freitas Silveira + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-6891v19e-52844

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Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize the production systems and milk quality of eight milk production units (MPU) in the semiarid region of the state of Ceará, Brazil. Individual interviews were conducted through a questionnaire on the characteristics of the properties and production systems. Samples of milk and water were collected for a period of 12 months. Four MPUs were classified as semi-specialized and four as non-specialized. No differences were observed in milk composition between the two production systems, and both showed protein, fat, and solids-not-fat levels. Differences were observed for somatic cell count. The semi-specialized systems showed an average somatic cell and total bacterial count which is above the limit established by the 62nd Normative Instruction. All water samples showed presence of Escherichia coli. Somatic cell count was positively correlated (fat) and negatively (lactose). For total bacterial count, correlations were negative for fat, total solids, and somatic cell count. The microbiological quality of milk is not in accordance with the 62st and 7th Normative Instructions. The specialization of the production systems did not result in improved microbiological aspects of milk.

Highlights

The globalization of economy and the ever-growing competitiveness have reinforced the importance of economic efficiency for the good performance of the dairy activity in Brazil
Correlations were negative for fat, total solids, and somatic cell count
Thirty-two samples were collected from each system for analyses of composition and somatic cell count (SCC) and 16 samples for total bacterial count (TBC)

Summary

Introduction

To adapt to this new reality, the dairy sector in the northeast region of the country must adopt technologies to increase productivity and improve the quality of the milk product, which requires knowledge of the socioeconomic characteristics of the producer, of the property, and of production systems. Consumers of animal products have been increasingly demanding in terms of price and quality This trend has prompted important changes in the object of dairy production. In this scenario, a great part of dairy industries is already adopting the payment of milk for quality. The fat, the protein, and the solids-not-fat — termed ‘total solids’ — are the variables of major economic importance and constitute a criterion for the valuation of milk in many countries[2,3]

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