Leite cru refrigerado do agreste pernambucano: caracterização da qualidade e do sistema de produção

Abstract

Brazil has been showing a steady growth in milk production and Pernambuco state is currently the second largest producer of milk in the Northeast, accounting for roughly 21% of Northeastern and 2.7% of Brazilian milk. Milk’s quality is directly related to health, feeding and handling of animals. Thus the aim of this study was to characterize the quality and the production profile of refrigerated raw milk obtained from dairy farms in a rural region of Pernambuco known as Agreste. The refrigerated raw milk samples were collected in 44 farms located in several cities from Pernambucano’s Agreste from June to September 2010. Analysis of density, pH, acidity, chemical composition, SCC, TBC and alizarol test were performed. Statistical analysis was performed by SAS® statistical package, using analysis of variance and comparison of means by Tukey test, and linear correlations by Pearson coefficient. The results have shown that, in most cases, the physicochemical requirements of refrigerated raw milk were in accordance with current legislation. However, SCC and mainly TBC of some especific cities and routes revealed higher levels than those permitted by current law. It was observed an incidence of 30% LINA in milk samples studied. Most of the milk farms units were classified as medium-scale production (535.39 L/day). A significant correlations at 5 and 1% level was found for the different physico-chemical variables, SCC and TBC of refrigerated raw milk analyzed. The results showed that, in general, samples of refrigerated raw milk fell within the parameters of hygiene and quality recommended by the legislation. On the other hand, improvements in hygiene and sanitary handling of animals before, during and after milking are necessary to reduce SCC and TBC. Extended research on the occurrence of LINA in this region is recommended.