Brazilian Milk Research Articles

European Union–Mercosur Accord's effects on Brazilian milk powder

AbstractMilk is one of the few agricultural products in which Brazil is not competitive. The domestic market is served by domestic production and imports from Argentina and Uruguay. The Mercosur–European Union Biregional Association Agreement provides for the elimination of tariffs and the harmonization of nontariff measures between the parties. Because the EU is one of the most competitive regions in the world market for powdered milk, this study analyzes the effects of the agreement on the links in this production chain in the Brazilian market. A constant, nested, multisectoral, and vertically integrated elasticity of substitution model is structured incorporating uncertainty in the estimates of Armington elasticities through Monte Carlo simulations, as in Hallren and Opanasets. The model allows projecting the price effect (Armington) and the preference effect in the market shares of Brazil, Mercosur, and the EU on the domestic market. The results, in the most ambitious scenario of the agreement and in the most conservative estimate, show that Brazil would lose 71.7 percentage points in the domestic market. This means reducing Brazilian production by 475 thousand tons of powdered milk. The national agricultural link in this scenario would lose 15% of the current dairy demand. This loss benefits the EU, which would participate in the domestic market with a market share of 58.75%. Mercosur would add 13.41 percentage points to its current share of the Brazilian market [EconLit Citations: F13, F14].

Quantitative microbiological risk assessment for the occurrence of listeriosis in Brazil due to the consumption of milk processed by pasteurization or thermosonication

This study aimed to estimate the risk of listeriosis from the consumption of pasteurized milk in Brazil, comparing conventional treatment with the technology of thermosonication. The Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment (QMRA) model was developed, covering the entire milk production chain, from milking to the moment of consumption. In general, higher risks were observed in association with higher initial concentrations of the pathogen and the vulnerable population. The highest risk predicted (3.67 × 10−5) was related to the scenario considering the initial concentration range of L. monocytogenes between 4 and 6 log CFU/mL, with conventional treatment and considering the vulnerable population, resulting in one case of listeriosis every 27,248 servings. When considering thermosonication treatment, lower risks have been predicted. The scenario analysis indicated that the steps related to storage conditions in retail and at the consumer's home (post-processing steps) are the most influential in the associated risk, in all scenarios. The predictive parameters of inactivation related to the applied treatment also have a considerable influence on the risk. The results point to the influence of the stages of the dairy production chain and the thermosonication treatment applied in the food safety of milk, subsidizing information for industrial application and for regulatory agencies.

MONITORING OF QUALITATIVE PROFILE OF BUFFALO MILK IN BRAZIL

The production and consumption of buffalo milk have reached great nutritional importance and economic relevance in Brazil, which makes monitoring the quality of the raw material an essential aspect of this production. Nonetheless, little has been discussed about this matter, with only one state legislation regulating the quality of buffalo milk in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of raw milk from 30 farms in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in order to trace a qualitative profile of buffalo milk production in the region. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk were evaluated over 11 months. Titratable acidity and fat content (16.68% and 5.74%, respectively) were above the established minimum levels. While microbiological parameters were high, the mean SCC was below the established limit. There were no physicochemical changes in raw milk; however, there was a high count of microorganisms, related to inadequate hygiene in the production process. Results showed that the microbiological parameters are not adequate for the production of buffalo milk in the region. Therefore, the raw buffalo milk produced on the farms showed low microbiological quality during the monitoring period.

Comparative metatranscriptome analysis of Brazilian milk and water kefir beverages.

The present study compared bacterial and fungal diversity of kefir beverages produced using milk (MK) or sugared water (WK) as propagation matrices and grains from the cities of Curitiba (CU) or Salvador (SA), Brazil, by sequencing the complete set of RNA transcripts produced in four products. In Brazil, milk and sugared water are used as matrices to propagate kefir grains. In all beverages, the bacterial community was composed of Lactobacillaceae and Acetobacteraceae. Saccharomycetaceae was the yeast family more abundant in WK, and Dipodascaceae and Pichiaceae in MK. Regarding KEGG mapping of functional orthologs, the four kefir samples shared 70% of KO entries of yeast genes but only 36% of bacterial genes. Concerning main metabolic processes, the relative abundance of transcripts associated with metabolism (energy metabolism) and environmental information processing (membrane transport) had the highest water/milk kefir ratio observed in Firmicutes. In contrast, transcripts associated with genetic information processing (protein translation, folding, sorting, and degradation) oppositely had the lowest water/milk ratios. Concluding, milk and water kefir have quite different communities of microorganisms. Still, the main mapped functional processes are similar, with only quantitative variation in membrane transport and energy acquisition in the water kefir and protein synthesis and turnover in the milk kefir.

Simplified QuEChERS technique followed by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis for the determination bisphenol A in whole and powdered milk

Bisphenol A (BPA), an important endocrine disruptor, is employed in the manufacturing of many materials such as food packaging. The ingestion of contaminated food is considered the most relevant form of exposure to this compound. Data concerning the presence of this contaminant in milk in Brazil, however, are still lacking. In this context, an analytical method for the determination of BPA in ultrahigh temperature (UHT) milk, pasteurised milk, and milk powder was developed. A modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method was used for sample treatment, and BPA was determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The method was selective for BPA in all investigated milk samples. No matrix effects were observed, thus indicating that calibration curves could be prepared in solvent for routine analysis. The method presented satisfactory accuracy, with recovery values between 78 and 94%. Relative standard deviation values obtained in the repeatability (11%) and intermediate precision (4.8%) studies were also satisfactory (HorRatr and HorRatR values less than 2). The analyte limits of detection and quantification were 0.12 and 0.36 ng/g for while milk, and 0.40 and 1.20 ng/g for reconstituted milk powder (1:10), respectively, and the sensitivity of the analytical method was considered adequate for the purpose of the present work.

Overview of the milk production chain in Brazil: development and perspectives

Dairy farming is an activity of enormous prominence not only in Brazil but throughout the planet, exerting enormous influence on the economy, generating jobs not only in the rural area but throughout the production chain, offering milk and derivatives that are among the main foods in the food chain as it is rich in protein and vitamins. However, despite Brazil being one of the largest producers in the world, Brazilian milk still needs to be more present internationally. This low presence abroad is due, among other reasons, to the high cost of production and its low quality. On this basis, this research aims to survey the panorama of the milk production chain in Brazil. The research method is based on a literature review with a descriptive and exploratory nature. As a result, the research shows the importance that dairy activity has acquired in the country. Moreover, public policies that value the sector encourage the production of dairy products with quality and safety and create the conditions to make that the developed technologies reach the producers.

Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk and Dairy Products Traded in São Paulo, Brazil: An Update

The aim of this study was to conduct an up-to-date investigation on the occurrence levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in samples of raw milk (n = 40), pasteurized milk (n = 44), ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk (n = 27), Minas cheese (n = 57), and yogurt (n = 44) traded in São Paulo state, Brazil. AFM1 was extracted from fluid milks and dairy products using immunoaffinity columns and determined by high performance liquid chromatography. AFM1 was detected at the mean level of 0.080 ± 0.071 µg/L or kg in 72 samples (34.0%) evaluated in the study (n = 212). Detectable levels of AFM1 were observed in five samples of raw milk (12.5%), 16 samples of pasteurized milk (36.4%), 13 samples of UHT milk (48.1%), 27 samples of cheese (47.4%), and 11 samples of yogurt (25.0%), although none of them had concentrations above the maximum permitted levels (MPL) for AFM1 adopted in Brazil. However, 11.7% (n = 13) of samples of raw, pasteurized, and UHT milks would have AFM1 concentrations above the MPL of 0.05 μg/L adopted in the EU. The maximum level was detected in one cheese sample containing 0.695 µg/kg. Although none of the samples exceeded the Brazilian MPL, the high frequencies of AFM1 in Brazilian milk products warrant concern about their contribution to the human exposure to aflatoxins. Because aflatoxins are among the most potent carcinogens known, the results of this trial stress the need for stringent measures in the milk production system to avoid AFM1 in milk and derived products.

Elemental composition of marketed milk from Nigeria and Brazil using ICP-OES: Health risk assessment study

The levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) were determined in Nigerian and Brazilian milk samples. Their concentrations in powdered milk were in the order K > Ca > Na > Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu > Mo > Mn > Pb, and for liquid milk, K > Ca > Mg > Zn > Fe > Mo > Cu. The margin of exposure and provisional tolerable weekly intake values of Pb in powdered milk indicated no significant health risks to consumers. The rank order of microelements in powdered milk consumers based on target hazard quotient (THQ) was Zn > Mo > Cu > Pb > Fe > Mn, and for liquid milk, Zn > Mo > Cu > Fe. The THQs of microelements in milk for the Nigerians and Brazilians were lower than 1. Carcinogenic risk (CR) of Pb in children and adults was close to 1 E-6 but lower than 1 E-5, indicating inconsiderable non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The presence of Pb in powdered milk is of great concern, therefore, food quality and safety plans must be carried out during production.

An analysis of Brazilian raw cow milk production systems and environmental product declarations of whole milk

The aim of this study is twofold: (i) to provide an LCA of raw cow milk production systems from the two most representative states (Paraná and Minas Gerais) for milk production in Brazil considering four impact categories according to product category rules of raw milk; and (ii) to analyze the environmental performance of milk produced in Brazil (at the farm-gate) with that of milk produced in other parts of the world (at the farm-gate) based on valid EPDs of processed whole milk and LCA studies of milk in the existing literature. For building life cycle inventories, agricultural processes and activities associated with milk production were mapped out. Three milk production systems in Brazil were assessed, one confined, and two semi-confined, in two different regions, within Minas Gerais and Paraná states. The functional unit used in this study was 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk. Moreover, an analysis of the environmental performance of milk produced in Brazil with that of milk produced in other parts of the world based on valid EPDs of processed milk was made. LCA results and the results obtained from the valid EPDs used different life cycle impact assessment methods (IPCC 2013; CML, ReCiPE) and impact categories (climate change, acidification potential, eutrophication, formation potential of tropospheric ozone). The raw milk (cradle-to-farm-gate) produced in Brazil (in different states and based on different systems - confined or semi-confined) has lower environmental impacts when associated with those (cradle-to-farm-gate) of published EPDs. The study also briefly compared the results of Brazilian milk production systems with cradle-to-farm-gate LCAs of raw milk found in the literature, and discussed a few strategies for the Brazilian market of milk and dairy products. MPS in Brazil can serve as a benchmark for MPS in other countries, and EPDs can add transparency to business-to-business and business-to-consumer relations.

Governing food safety through meso‐institutions: A cross‐country analysis of the dairy sector

AbstractThis article builds on new institutional economics to characterize the functions played by meso‐institutions in bridging the gap between the macro‐institutional layer at which general rules are established and the micro‐institutional layer within which transactions are organized. The argument is substantiated through a comparative analysis of the regulatory settings designed to secure the safety of raw milk in Brazil, Canada, and Italy. We show that similar rules may lead to very different operational impact, depending on the arrangements through which these rules are implemented. The analysis also points out some consequences for the organization of supply chains and public policies.

Producción de leche de vacas cebú manejadas en pastos tropicales

Brazilian milk production is characterized by the exploitation of tropical pastures, using zebu animals, purebred or crossed with European dairy breeds. Milk's composition is an important factor in the economic efficiency of the entire production chain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production and composition of cows of different racial types in tropical pastures. The experiment was carried out at Fazenda Estância Orestes Prata Tibério Junior of Brazilian Zebu Breeders Association (ABCZ) using the 20 ha experimental area formed by 13 paddocks in a rotational grazing system, with Brachiaria Brizantha cv Paiaguas pasture. The animals were handled with 1 day of occupation in each paddock, offering 10% of the animal live weight in forage (DM). The experimental period was 18 days, with 13 days of adaptation and 5 days of evaluations. The protein-energetic supplement (28% CP) was supplied individually at the rate of 1 kg for each 3 kg of milk produced, being parceled twice a day, always after milking. 14 dairy cows were evaluated, 8 of the Gyr breed, 2 of the Sindi breed and 3 Guzolando animals. Milking was performed twice a day, at 5:00 am and 4:00 pm. Weighing the milk was done daily. The analysis of fat and non-fat solids (SNG), including protein, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, were carried out by the infrared process with a Bentley 2000 analyzer (Bentley Instruments ®). A completely randomized design was used, with 3 treatments (Gyr, Sindi and Guzolando breeds) and each animal corresponded to an experimental unit. The comparison of means was performed by the Tukey test with a 5% significance level. Milk production was higher (P = 0.0007) for the Guzolanda breed (20.02 kg.day-1), being similar between the Sindi (8.15 kg.day-1) and Gir (9.60) kg.day-1). Regarding the composition of milk, both the production of fat and the production of non-fat solids, there was an effect of race (P = 0.0017 and P = 0.0006, respectively). The Guzolanda breed was superior in both characteristics of milk composition, presenting fat production of 0.72 kg.day-1 and SNG of 1.78 kg.day-1. The pure zebu breeds, Gyr and Sindi did not differ in relation to fat production (0.32 and 0.26 kg.day-1, respectively) and SNG (0.87 and 0.77 kg.day-1). Thus, it was possible to conclude that the crossing promoted gains in milk production and composition in tropical pasture systems.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus spp. contaminating raw goat milk.

Background and Aim:Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to global public health. Foodstuff of animal origin can serve as potential vehicles for the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and resistance genes to consumers. In view of the lack of knowledge about antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with goat milk, the aim of this study was to report species-level identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of a large collection of Staphylococcus spp. isolates recovered from raw goat milk in Brazil.Materials and Methods:A total of 434 Staphylococcus spp. isolates originated from 510 goat milk samples in Northeast Brazil were investigated. The isolates were obtained by conventional microbiological methods. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed by means of a semi-automated system using a panel for biochemical tests and broth microdilution method for 19 antimicrobial drugs.Results:Although Staphylococcus aureus (22.6%) accounted for the majority of the isolates, a total of 13 different non-aureus staphylococci spp. were identified. High resistance rates against erythromycin (40.8%), and the beta-lactams ampicillin (45.9%) and penicillin (42.9%) were observed among S. aureus isolates. The most significant findings were related to the resistance against quinupristin-dalfopristin, a drug of last resort used in human medicine to treat infections caused by vancomycin-resistant S. aureus and enterococci.Conclusion:The high diversity of Staphylococcus spp. showing phenotypic resistance against different antimicrobial drugs encourages further investigations on the real impact of these bacteria as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes to consumers. Furthermore, the potential impact of technological processes, such as pasteurization, fermentation, and maturation, on the maintenance and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among the microbial populations in milk and dairy products must also be investigated.

Functionally Active Microbiome and Physicochemical Properties of Milk and Sugary Water Kefir from Brazil

In Brazil, milk kefir, made of milk kefir grains, has identity features defined by Brazilian regulatory agencies but sugary water kefir, made of water kefir grains, has no definition of microbiological and physicochemical standards. We evaluated the microstructure of Brazilian milk and water kefir grains, the Transcriptionally Active Microbiome (TAM) of kefir beverages made of them, and the effect of fermentation and storage period (28 days at 10oC) over microbiological and physicochemical features of these beverages. Milk and water grains are very different between them and similar to other kefir grains worldwide, macroscopically and microscopically. The genus Leuconostoc, with the species L. mesenteroides, was most frequent in the microbiome of milk kefir while the Oenococcus genus was most frequently seen in sugary water kefir, with the species O. kitaharae. The genera Saccharomyces and Torulaspora, with the species S. cerevisiae and T. delbrueckii, were most recurrent in the microbiome of sugary water kefir, while Pichia and Yarrowia were more abundant in milk kefir, with the species P. fermentans and Y. lipolytica. Microbiological and physicochemical parameters of milk kefir were in concordance with features defined by Brazilian legislation. None of the parameters was altered by cold storage for 28 days. Our results reinforce some Brazilian identity requirements for milk kefir and allow us to suggest the inclusion of new ones that are not defined yet. Regarding sugary water kefir, some microbiological and physicochemical parameters are similar to milk kefir during the same storage period, although with a quite different functional microbiome.

Shaping the sustainable supply chain of organic milk in Brazil

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the discussion about how a sustainable supply chain is implemented, and its effects on suppliers. The sustainable supply chain and the concept of upgrading were used to analyze the proposed phenomenon. One in-depth case study was conducted, based on fourteen interviews with multiple stakeholders involved in the process of converting the traditional milk production chain into the organic system of one of the global leaders in the food industry, and the largest buyer of raw milk in Brazil. This empirical effort allows us to examine how a focal company shapes the organic milk supply chain, and the effects this process bears on farmers, highlighting theoretical contributions which also relate to the paper’s contributions. The outcomes indicate that private governance shapes sustainable supply chain through captive and relational links leading to social upgrading.

Aflatoxin M1 in Brazilian goat milk and health risk assessment

Contamination of goat milk with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a public health concern. This study investigated filamentous fungi in goat feed and quantified AFM1 in milk samples (n = 108) from goat fed forage and concentrate. Based on the detected AFM1 concentration, risk assessment analyses were performed concerning the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) for one-year-old children and adults. Filamentous fungi were found in goat feed samples in a range of 3.1 ± 1.9 to 4.2 ± 0.2 log CFU/g. Five genera were identified, to cite Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Acremonium. Aspergillus species comprised A. flavus, A. niger, and A. ochraceus. All goat milk samples were contaminated with AFM1 (5.60–48.20 ng/L; mean 21.90 ± 10.28 ng/L) in amounts below the limits imposed by regulatory agencies. However, EDI values for AFM1 through goat milk estimated for one-year-old children were above the Tolerable Daily Intake. The calculated Hazard Index for one-year-old children indicated potential risk of liver cancer due to goat milk consumption. The Margin of Exposure values to AFM1 in one-year-old children and adults consuming goat milk as the unique milk source indicated increased health risk. Therefore, contamination of goat milk with AFM1 should be considered a high priority for Brazil’s risk management actions.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in handler of cheese made with goat’s milk in Brazil

ABSTRACT: In the Northeastern Brazil, artisanal cheese production is an important local economic activity for small producers. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus is responsible for causing infection in animals and humans. This study described the first detection of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis isolated in the nasal cavity of a handler of coalho cheese made with goat’s milk in Northeastern Brazil. This brief communication highlighted the importance of adopting biosafety measures by cheese handlers, in order to reduce possible contamination and the spread of pathogens in the production chain of this type of artisanal cheese in Brazil.

Tertiary treatment of dairy industry wastewater with production of Chlorella vulgaris biomass: evaluation of effluent dilution

Secondary wastewaters from the dairy industry may cause eutrophication of water bodies when not properly treated, mainly because they contain nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Tertiary treatment using microalgae could be an adequate solution for Minas Gerais State, the largest Brazilian milk producer, contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts, as well as providing biomass for oil extraction, and obtaining active compounds and inputs (including proteins) for animal feeding. In this work, dilutions (with distilled water) of the secondary wastewater from the dairy industry were evaluated to cultivate Chlorella vulgaris in a bench-scale tubular photobioreactor. The results indicate the feasibility of using wastewater from the dairy industry, after secondary treatment, to cultivate microalgae, showing cell growth like that obtained in control cultures (Bold basal medium). The secondary wastewater without dilution (100% wastewater) provided the best condition for biomass production. The biomass obtained in wastewater showed no differences from the biomass obtained in the Bold basal medium (control) in terms of protein, lipid content, or fatty acid profile.

Evolução do marco legal do leite cru refrigerado no Brasil

Este manuscrito apresenta uma revisão da evolução do marco legal da produção de leite cru refrigerado no Brasil, desde a implementação do Programa Nacional de Melhoria de Qualidade do Leite – PNMQL, até os dias atuais. Após o início dos trabalhos do PNMQL, em 2002, foi criada a Rede Brasileira de Laboratórios da Qualidade do Leite – RBQL e aprovado o Regulamento Técnico de Produção, Identidade e Qualidade do Leite Cru Refrigerado. Desde então, tem sido observada uma evolução gradativa das normas referentes à produção de leite cru. Esta evolução vem sendo balizada por normas referentes à obtenção, conservação, transporte e padrões de qualidade do leite cru refrigerado. Contudo, dados oficiais sobre a qualidade do leite cru refrigerado produzido pelos produtores brasileiros não estão disponíveis. Além disso, são poucos os estudos de caso longitudinais que investigaram esta temática, após a implementação do PNMQL. Logo, ainda não está claro se a qualidade do leite produzido no campo tem efetivamente melhorado. Também, é preciso elucidar qual parcela de uma eventual melhoria da qualidade do leite cru refrigerado é proveniente das ações do PNMQL, e qual é proveniente da exclusão de pequenos produtores. O processo de melhoria da qualidade do leite cru refrigerado depende da atuação de todos os elos que compõem a sua cadeia produtiva – produtores, indústria e governo. O governo deve regulamentar e fiscalizar, a indústria deve dar suporte aos produtores para que as metas sejam atingidas, e, finalmente, os produtores precisam atuar como parte interessada na melhoria da qualidade do leite.

Determinantes do consumo de leite de cabra e derivados na Zona da Mata mineira

O estado de Minas Gerais está entre os principais produtores de leite de cabra no Brasil, e a Zona da Mata mineira é uma importante região na fabricação de derivados caprinos. Apesar da boa performance como fornecedora, a região apresenta baixo consumo do leite de cabra e, até o momento, nós não conseguimos encontrar nenhum estudo referente ao comportamento de compra dos consumidores desse produto. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os fatores que afetam o consumo do leite de cabra e seus derivados na região da Zona da Mata mineira, assim como delinear o perfil de consumidores e potenciais consumidores desses produtos. A pesquisa contou com a participação de 235 pessoas residentes em vários municípios da região e evidenciou que desconhecimento e falta de hábito de consumo da população são os principais fatores que impedem o crescimento do consumo na região. O fato de o leite de cabra ser considerado um produto saudável é a principal justificativa para sua compra, no entanto, os resultados indicam que idosos com renda mais elevada têm maior propensão a consumir leite de cabra e seus derivados na região. A definição desse público-alvo pode direcionar campanhas de marketing e contribuir para o desenvolvimento desse mercado.

Caminhos para a produção de leite em pequena escala

A situação da cadeia produtiva de leite no Brasil é discutida quanto à estrutura de produção, à dinâmica em curso, aos desafios e às consequências previsíveis para a produção de leite em pequena escala. Ganhadores e perdedores são apontados no processo de inovação tecnológica que está em marcha acelerada nessa cadeia produtiva. A redução do número de produtores foi da ordem de 13%, no geral, e de 31% no estrato de menor escala de produção de 2006 para 2017, indicando os vetores-chave nesse processo. Assim, sugerem-se uma forma de organização e um conjunto de processos para auxiliar os produtores de diversas escalas de produção e incentivá-los a terem determinação para enfrentar o problema, abandonar a pobreza e permanecer no negócio.