Abstract
ABSTRACT The influence of seasonality and the training and implementation of good dairy farming practices on raw milk production and quality was evaluated on dairy farms in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The physico-chemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC) were determined in 3,096 milk samples collected from bulk tanks originated from 43 dairy farms over a three-year period and correlated with key climatic factors. The recommended milking management practices were applied through a training program and correlated with the seasonal data in three stages: I) prior to training (dry period); II) 48 days after the training (transition period); III) 96 days after the training (rainy period). In the first stage, a diagnosis of the situation was performed with raw milk samplings for laboratory analysis, and training for implementation of good milking practices. In stages II and II, the checklist and laboratory analysis were also performed. The rainfall and high temperatures were found to represent the main factors affecting the milk composition and production, and TBC. The composition and physical properties of raw milk, and the TBC and SCC parameters can be controlled or minimized by applying proper milking management practices and constant monitoring.
Highlights
Brazil hosts the second largest dairy herd in the world and is one of the largest producers and consumers of cow milk
Minas Gerais State leads the national ranking of cow milk production in Brazil, as it is responsible for approximately 27% of national milk production (Panorama..., 2015)
The correlation between the different climatic conditions and the physico-chemical properties of the raw milk, as well as the total volume produced can be observed. This table shows the correlation between the climatic conditions and the microbiological parameters somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC) determined for the raw milk samples produced at the 43 dairy farms during the study period
Summary
Brazil hosts the second largest dairy herd in the world and is one of the largest producers and consumers of cow milk. Most of the milk produced in Brazil is destined for national consumption and the monitoring of the quality of this essential food is of considerable relevance. Current legislation in Brazil establishes quality parameters for raw milk, for instance, a minimum of 3.0% of total fat, 8.4% total solids and 2.9% proteins. The permitted limits are for 500,000cells/mL for the somatic cell count (SCC) and 300,000CFU/mL for the total bacterial count (TBC). The limits for SCC and TBC in the South, Southeast and Midwest Regions of Brazil will be formally altered in July 2018 to 400,000cells/mL and 100,000CFU/mL, respectively, in line with the standards of more demanding markets (Brasil, 2016)
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