Brazilian Milk Research Articles

A pecuária de leite bovino numa (re)análise: perspectivas e impasses no Brasil

A pecuária de leite bovino historicamente possui importância para a organização política, econômica e social do país. Todavia, deve-se levar em consideração algumas dificuldades que os produtores de leite vivem, as quais são permeadas pelo escasso auxílio e crédito, como também, a pouca valorização desta produção frente os demais setores produtivos, ocasionando os impasses para um maior incremento e desenvolvimento. Desta forma, este estudo tem como alvo de verificação a produção de leite bovino no Brasil no período de 1977 a 2017. As reflexões possibilitadas nessa investigação nos direcionam para a compreensão das inquietações que move esse setor produtivo, entendendo as preocupações, as aflições e, em alguns casos, o sucesso dos produtores de leite.

Detection of clinical bovine mastitis caused by Mycoplasma bovis in Brazil.

The work reported in this research communication investigated the occurrence of Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) in milk samples from cows with clinical mastitis on dairy farms from seven Brazilian states. We hypothesized that M. bovis was present in bovine clinical mastitis milk in Brazil. A total of 561 milk samples were cultured on Hayflick agar and incubated in a microaerophilic atmosphere at 5% CO2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the detection of Mycoplasma spp. and Mycoplasma bovis in milk samples. Mycoplasma spp. were isolated in 2% of the milk samples, and Mycoplasma bovis was verified in 3% of the milk samples by PCR. The results showed that Mycoplasma bovis is involved in clinical mastitis in Brazilian dairy herds. We emphasize the need for further studies to investigate the infection by this agent in clinical mastitis cases, particularly in Brazil, due to the lack of knowledge about its prevalence.

Short communication: Molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from raw milk and Minas Frescal cheeses in Brazil

The aim of this study was to quantify, identify, evaluate antimicrobial resistance, and characterize the virulence factors of enteropathogenic (EPEC), Shiga-toxigenic (STEC), and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) Escherichia coli in raw milk (RM) and legal (LMFC) and illegal (IMFC) Minas Frescal cheeses in southern and northeast Brazil. Illegal cheeses are those made without official inspection service or sanitary surveillance. We evaluated samples of RM produced in Paraná (southern) and Maranhão (northeast) States, LMFC produced using pasteurized milk in inspected industries, and IMFC potentially produced with raw milk. Mean total coliform counts were 8.4 × 104 cfu/mL for RM, 1.4 × 107 cfu/mL for LMFC, and 2.9 × 107 cfu/mL for IMFC. Mean E. coli counts were 2.4 × 103 cfu/mL for RM, 1.9 × 102 cfu/mL for LMFC, and 1.1 × 105 cfu/mL for IMFC. Among the 205 E. coli isolates from RM, 9.75% were identified as EPEC, mainly (90%) in samples from Paraná. Of the total isolates from the cheese samples, 97.4% (n = 111) came from IMFC, of which 1.8 and 2.7% were identified as EPEC and STEC, respectively; no EHEC was detected. The phylogenetic group A (60%) and typical EPEC (68%) predominated, which confirms the possible human origin of pathogenic isolates in RM and IMFC. Of these, 50% were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and streptomycin was the antimicrobial with the highest number (8) of EPEC and STEC resistant isolates. This study reports the first isolation of serogroup O28ac in Brazilian milk. We found no predominance of a specific serogroup of EPEC or STEC in milk or cheese or clonal isolates in the same sample, indicating different origins of the contamination in these products, presumably mostly related to poor hygienic handling.

Vertical coordination in the Brazilian milk supply chain: the case of 3B Agro LTDA

The dairy business is characterized by generally low profit margins due to a very competitive market environment. Dairy farmers and milk processing companies, therefore, constantly seek to optimize their technical production processes in pursuit of further cost reductions, e.g. by means of improving herd management, milking and feeding practices. In addition, innovative business strategies may create competitive advantage in response to market conditions. While vertical coordination or even integration have been established successfully in most sectors of animal husbandry including poultry, pork and beef production, this strategy is mostly limited to supplying contracts and input support within the dairy sector. Various organizational models of increasing vertical coordination in dairy production exist, with great variation in terms of operational performance and profitability. Using the example of 3B Agro LTDA’s dairy production located in the municipality of Toledo, Brazil, the case study illustrates the significant efficiency potential that currently exists in the Brazilian dairy supply chain. The prevalence of short-term contractual commitments and an influential role of independent intermediaries give room to considerable opportunism of market participants, various principal-agent problems and severe issues regarding milk quality. The case study illustrates that, vertical coordination can increase control and efficiency along the supply chain. It also points out the importance of strong managerial competencies and capabilities of dairy farm managers in order to exploit fully the efficiency potential provided by vertical coordination.

Variávéis relacionadas ao teor de extrato seco desengordurado em amostras de leite de tanques de resfriamento de estabelecimentos rurais

The defatted dry extract (DDE) comprises of the solid constituents of the milk, except for the fat, and must have a minimum established content of 8.4% for raw milk in Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the effects of commercialized milk volume, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC) on the DDE content of dairy farm milk samples. The sampling included data from monthly milk analyzes of dairy farms, which supply four dairy industries located in the state of Santa Catarina, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, and comprised of 106.470 observations sampled in 2015.The data were submitted to variance and regression analysis. To evaluate the influence of the volume of milk commercialized by the farmers, the SCC and TBC levels, and the levels of DDE, the values of these explanatory variables were stratified in quintiles. The mean DDE was 8.55%, with 25.6% of the samples being below the established minimum. In regard to the volume of milk marketed by the farmers, seasonal variations were observed in all quintiles of dairy farms analyzed, but with lower levels of DDE in milk samples from small farms throughout the year. Samples of milk with high TBC and, especially high SCC, presented lower percentage of DDE during the year. It is concluded that the DDE content of milk is related to the season of the year, the production volume per dairy, SCC and TBC.

Determining anthelmintic residues in goat milk in Brazil

SUMMARY Anthelmintics are used to combat nematodes. The misuse of anthelmintics can raise the cost of milk production. The objective of this research was to determine the presence of anthelmintics in goat milk. Twenty goats were used, divided into four groups of five animals: I- animals treated with an ivermectin-based anthelmintic; II- animals treated with moxidectin; III- animals treated with levamisole hydrochloride; and IV: animals treated with albendazole. Milk samples were collected individually: before, and 1, 2, 3, 15 and 21 days after administration of the anthelmintics. Determination of anthelmintic residues was performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). According to the results, there was an exponential effect (P<0.05) for ivermectin and moxidectin. Moxidectin was the anthelmintic that left a residue in the milk for the longest time, up to 21 days. However, with all the anthelmintics researched, residues were below the maximum limit recommended by the inspecting agencies.

Impact of economic factors on formal milk collection by the dairy industry in the main producing states in Brazil: a cointegration analysis

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to measure the short- and long-term elasticities of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), productivity, prices paid to producers, milk powder imports, minimum wages, and exchange ratios in milk collection between 1999 and 2016. For the measurement, the cointegration technique for data in a balanced panel was used, contemplating five states with great representativeness in the Brazilian industrial milk collection: Minas Gerais, Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, Goias, and Sao Paulo. These states corresponded [...]

Characterization of family-owned dairy farms in the western amazon

More than half of the milk in Brazil comes from family-owned dairy farms, which account for 84.4% of all dairy farms. Despite this, little is known about family-owned dairy farms, especially those in the western Amazon. As such, the objective of this study was to analyze and characterize the production, sanitary conditions, reproductive rates, and milk quantities produced on 100 family dairy farms in Vale do Acre, in the western Amazon. The data were collected from March to June 2016, using a semi-structured questionnaire containing 549 questions. The answers given by producers, as well as local observations were registered in SPSS® spreadsheets, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results indicated low rates of productivity, low total milk production, and low quantities of milk/cow/day. The data also revealed sanitary and productive problems such as inadequate herd composition, lack of grouping of lactating cows, and short duration of lactation. In addition, not all heifers were immunized against brucellosis, and there was often an absence of water troughs. We concluded that it is necessary to improve the management of family-owned farms, and take technical assistance measures to correct weak points in dairy cow health and reproduction. Moreover, it is essential to improve productivity to raise the profitability of rural dairy farms.

Caracterização de propriedades leiteiras de agricultura familiar na amazônia ocidental

More than half of the milk in Brazil comes from family-owned dairy farms, which account for 84.4% of all dairy farms. Despite this, little is known about family-owned dairy farms, especially those in the western Amazon. As such, the objective of this study was to analyze and characterize the production, sanitary conditions, reproductive rates, and milk quantities produced on 100 family dairy farms in Vale do Acre, in the western Amazon. The data were collected from March to June 2016, using a semi-structured questionnaire containing 549 questions. The answers given by producers, as well as local observations were registered in SPSS® spreadsheets, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results indicated low rates of productivity, low total milk production, and low quantities of milk/cow/day. The data also revealed sanitary and productive problems such as inadequate herd composition, lack of grouping of lactating cows, and short duration of lactation. In addition, not all heifers were immunized against brucellosis, and there was often an absence of water troughs. We concluded that it is necessary to improve the management of family-owned farms, and take technical assistance measures to correct weak points in dairy cow health and reproduction. Moreover, it is essential to improve productivity to raise the profitability of rural dairy farms.

Brazilian Kefir-Fermented Sheep's Milk, a Source of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Peptides.

Fermented milks are a source of bioactive peptides and may be considered as functional foods. Among these, sheep's milk fermented with kefir has not been widely studied and its most relevant properties need to be more thoroughly characterized. This research study is set out to investigate and evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of peptides from fermented sheep's milk in Brazil when produced by using kefir. For this, the chemical and microbiological composition of the sheep's milk before and after the fermentation was evaluated. The changes in the fermented milk and the peptides extracted before the fermentation and in the fermented milk during its shelf life were verified. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the peptides from the fermented milk were evaluated and identified according to the literature. The physicochemical properties and mineral profile of the fermented milk were like those of fresh milk. The peptide extract presented antimicrobial activity and it was detected that 13 of the 46 peptides were able to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. A high antioxidant activity was observed in the peptides extracted from fermented milk (3.125 mg/mL) on the 28th day of storage. Two fractions displayed efficient radical scavenging properties by DPPH and ABTS methods. At least 11 peptides distributed in the different fractions were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. This sheep's milk fermented by Brazilian kefir grains, which has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and probiotic microorganisms, is a good candidate for further investigation as a source for bioactive peptides. The fermentation process was thus a means by which to produce potential bioactive peptides.

Critical success factors in Short Food Supply Chains: Case studies with milk and dairy producers from Italy and Brazil

The purpose of this article is to analyze the role of critical success factors in Short Food Supply Chain (SFSC). The study presents a small farmers' cross-cultural analysis - two Italian and two Brazilian milk and dairy producers - that shortened their Food Supply Chain (FSC) to get closer to the consumers and to deliver products with high quality and traceability, and at the same time increase profits. The reduction of distances and the elimination of intermediaries, solely, may increase production earnings in the SFSC, but it does not assure a long-term position in food markets. Success factors for SFSC were identified and retrieved from the literature and presented to three Italian and three Brazilian experts in FSC for analyzing each case. It was found that producers had cultural difficulties for SFSC model adoption, but economic reasons as cutting costs of transportation and elimination of intermediary agents justified their initiatives. However, consolidation of SFSC implementation still requires environmental protection efforts linked to better production processes in small farms, and health safeguards for consumers, as well as the preservation of the cultural heritage associated with the region of origin of the production.

“Pingado Dilemma”: Is formal contract sweet enough?

“Pingado” is a Brazilian beverage similar to cappuccino, macchiato. For a good “pingado”, coffee and milk should be of good quality. The formal institutions ensure the minimum attributes of quality for coffee and for milk in Brazil. However, in order to reach consumer desirable quality attributes for a differentiated “pingado” the transactions between farmers and agroindustry in quality-driven systems is likely to be conducted with hybrid forms. Thus, “Pingado Dilemma” involves the interactions between private and public institutions affect the combination of formal and informal governance mechanisms in transactions, in both chains, and involve complexities in terms of obligations to do and obligations to give in contract farming. This paper aims at analyzing the contract farming and the role of public and private institutions in transactions between farmers and agroindustry in Brazilian high-quality dairy and coffee chains. The research design used in this study is a case study based on multiple cases. The results indicate that while in dairy chain the private institutions reinforce public requirements (formal institutions), for the coffee sector, the role of private institutions is to establish and guarantee a new level of quality and differentiation. Interactions between private and public institutions affect the combination of formal and informal governance mechanisms in transactions, in both chains, and involve complexities in terms of obligations to do and obligations to give in contract farming.

Determination of Caseinomacropeptide in Brazilian Bovine Milk by High-performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACTMilk adulteration is a concern in many countries, including Brazil. There are many compounds used as adulterants, including cheese whey, a by-product of cheese. Recently, we have developed a proteomic-like technique for separation and characterization of caseinomacropeptide using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. Caseinomacropeptide is important because it can be used as marker when cheese whey adulteration is performed in bovine milk. Furthermore, it is difficult to establish reference values for caseinomacropeptide levels because of the variation of milk composition. The aim of this study was to verify the average value for caseinomacropeptide present in bovine raw milk collected by Federal Inspection Service from five regions of Brazil (north, northwest, west central, south, southeast). Survey sampling was divided into two stages: first one, a data set 1 (regional sampling) was collected only from the south during a year. This data sampling was used to estimate the data set 2 (national sampling). A largest extreme value was suggested as a model for caseinomacropeptide distributions for national sampling. The data set showed 2.52 mg L−1 as the mean and 4.80 mg L−1 for the standard deviation based on a sampling size of 170 units collected across Brazil. The findings are useful to understand the presence of caseinomacropeptide, especially when no adulteration or the absence of good practices is present.

Draft Genome Sequence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain LC33 Isolated from Human Breast Milk

ABSTRACTHere, we report the draft genome sequence of Staphylococcus aureus strain LC33, isolated from human breast milk in Brazil. This microorganism has been typed as ST1/t127/sccmecV. To our knowledge, this is the first draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain isolated from human breast milk.

Residues of veterinary drugs in milk in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Veterinary drugs are used in dairy cattle management mainly for therapy and prophylaxis of diseases, which chemicals may leave residues in milk. Human exposure and the unintentional consumption of residues of drugs can lead to side effects and development of resistant bacteria, representing a considerable concern to consumer health. This paper presents the occurrence of residues of veterinary drugs in milk from 2009 to 2011 in Brazil, monitored by the Official Program for Analysis of Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods of Animal Origin. A total of 961 samples were collected in the retail and evaluated for the main β-lactams, tetracyclines, amphenicol, aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides and avermectins. Residues of veterinary drugs did not exceed maximum residue limit (MRL); although, there is a considerable use of critically/highly important antimicrobials and avermectins in dairy cows, especially quinolones and tetracyclines. Doxycycline (9%) and abamectin (1.6%) were detected, even though these substances are not intended to be used in milk producing animals for human consumption. Norfloxacin (15%) was observed; although, there are no MRL established, consequently, no residue level should have been detected. No residues of streptomycin, chloramphenicol and β-lactams were confirmed. Milk in Brazil contains low levels of veterinary drugs so that toxicological risk regarding milk consumption could not be considered as a public health concern. However, due to the nature of the samples, which correspond to milk from several farms, it could occur a dilution effect. The absence of MRL established for norfloxacin prevents suitable interpretation of the findings and makes tough the control of these chemical residues in food. Detection of some antimicrobials and avermectins may be linked to extra-label use or noncompliance withdrawal periods suggesting that good veterinary practices are not being followed, since residues of unauthorized drugs have been detected.

Buyer and/or seller power? An application to the Brazilian milk market

ABSTRACTDespite its importance, the co-existence of buyer and seller power has been largely neglected in the empirical literature. In this article, we develop a stochastic frontier model to measure channel market power as deviations from a perfectly competitive frontier and decompose it into buyer and seller power. We provide an empirical illustration using milk data from five Brazilian states and find that channel market power ranges between 4% and 12% of the wholesale price, but that 75% of the market power is accounted for by retail buyer power. The methodology proposed can provide a rapid assessment of the degree of market power in other markets and a method for separating out buyer and seller power in the market channel.

Exposure Assessment of Infants to Aflatoxin M₁ through Consumption of Breast Milk and Infant Powdered Milk in Brazil.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is an important biomarker that can be used to evaluate aflatoxin exposure in both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure degree of infants to AFM1 through consumption of breast milk and infant powdered milk in Brazil. For this purpose, the estimated daily intake (EDI) for infants was calculated based on the AFM1 levels analyzed in 94 breast milk (BM) samples collected in Southern Brazil, and 16 infant powdered milk (IPM) samples commonly commercialized in Brazil. AFM1 was detected in 5.3% (n = 5) and 43.8% (n = 7) of BM and IPM samples, with mean levels of 0.003 ng/g and 0.011 ng/g, respectively. All the IPM samples showed AFM1 levels lower than those established by the Brazilian guidelines (5 ng/g), and in most of the samples (81.25%) levels were below the maximum limit tolerated by the European Commission (0.025 ng/g). The EDI of AFM1 for infants aged zero to 12 months old showed values from 0.018 to 0.069 ng/kg body weight/day for BM, and 0.078 to 0.306 ng/kg body weight/day for IPM. Hazard index (HI) values for BM and IPM were less than one, except for IPM intended for infants up to one month. In conclusion, the exposure of infants to AFM1 was low, but continuous monitoring of mycotoxin levels is essential to minimize infant health risk.

Molecular typing of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) isolated from dairy goats in Brazil

In the last decade there was a significant increase dairy goat participation in the world and Brazilian agricultural scenario. Minas Gerais state is the third largest producer of goat milk in Brazil. Paratuberculosis is a chronic intestinal disease that mostly affects ruminants and can become a public health problem due to the possible association with Crohn's disease. It is transmitted by ingesting Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) contaminated food or water. In recent years, with the development of molecular techniques, the disease has been identified with greater precision and more quickly. MAP strains (S-Sheep, Cattle-C and B-Bison) have also been typed. The detection of a circulating MAP strain in a herd is important to develop epidemiological studies and thus establish better strategies to control paratuberculosis. This study aimed to identify and type MAP in dairy goat farms in the Zona da Mata, the main producing region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Feces and milk samples of 467 animals were collected, processed, inoculated in Herrold's Egg Yolk Agar (HEYM) and submitted to PCR and REA techniques. Eleven (2.36%) animals were positive for the presence of MAP in four properties and the isolates were characterized as type C strain. It was concluded that MAP is present in dairy goats from properties in Zona da Mata, MG and that strain type C circulates in the area. This is the first report of MAP typing isolated from dairy goat in Brazil.

Analysis of the Storage Methods for Raw Human Milk from Mothers with Infants Admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, According to Brazilian Regulations.

Milk safety is an important concern in neonatal units and human milk banks. Therefore, evidence-based recommendations regarding raw milk handling and storage are needed to safely promote supplying hospitalized infants with their mother's own milk. To evaluate raw human milk storage methods according to Brazilian milk management regulations by investigating the effects of refrigeration (5°C) for 12 hours and freezing (-20°C) for 15 days on the acidity and energy content in a large number of raw milk samples. Expressed milk samples from 100 distinct donors were collected in glass bottles. Each sample was separated into 3 equal portions that were analyzed at room temperature and after either 12 hours of refrigeration or 15 days of freezing. Milk acidity and energy content were determined by Dornic titration and creamatocrit technique, respectively. All samples showed Dornic acidity values within the established acceptable limit (≤ 8°D), as required by Brazilian regulations. In addition, energy content did not significantly differ among fresh, refrigerated and frozen milk samples (median of ~50 kcal/100 mL for each). Most samples tested (> 80%) were considered top quality milk (< 4°D) based on acidity values, and milk energy content was preserved after storage. We conclude that the storage methods required by Brazilian regulations are suitable to ensure milk safety and energy content of stored milk when supplied to neonates.

Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens and Lactobacillus satsumensis isolated from Brazilian kefir grains produce alpha-glucans that are potentially suitable for food applications

Lactic acid bacteria produce exopolysaccharides, which have broad application in the food industry, especially as thickeners, stabilizers, and gelling agents. Additionally, some biopolymers have been regarded as health promoters due to their role as prebiotics and their immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to characterize three exopolysaccharides produced by novel Lactobacillus strains from Brazilian milk or sugar water kefir and to determine their biocompatibility. Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens 1P3 and Lactobacillus satsumensis 10P and 10P2 were grown in the presence of sucrose, and their exopolysaccharides were purified and structurally elucidated. Glucose was the only sugar found in the polysaccharide chains, so most of the glucose residues were linked by α-(1,6) glycosidic bonds (∼90%) and the estimated molecular weight was 800 kDa. According to the NIR spectra, α-glucan 1P3, 10P, and 10P2 were all different compounds. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the polymers was low or nonexistent, especially in nontumor cells. The polymers had no significant effects on the expression of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines in the intestine of mice. In contrast, the intestinal IgA+ B cells were significantly higher. Taken together, this study suggests that these exopolysaccharides might be useful as food additives due to their safety features to the host.