Quality of milk produced by small and large dairy producers

Resumo

The aim of this study was to compare the microbiological and physicochemical quality of raw milk produced by small and large dairy producers in Paraná, Brazil. Samples of raw milk were collected from small (49) and large (21) dairy producers. Dairy farms were characterized by observation and application of questionnaires. The total bacterial count (TBC) was obtained by flow cytometry and Petrifilm® AC, while the somatic cell count (SCC) was obtained by only flow cytometry. The content of fat, proteins, lactose, and solids in the mil were determined by infrared. Differences were observed in the techniques employed by small and large dairy producers, which may have influenced the microbiological quality of raw milk. Milk contamination significantly greater in milk produced by small farmers, which is evident from the average TBC of 3.8 × 106 CFU/mL obtained from milk produced by small farmers as compared to the TBC of 1.5 × 104 CFU/mL obtained from larger dairy farms. Twenty-four (49%) small diary producers are no-compliant with the current standards for microbiological quality of refrigerated raw milk established by the law, while all larger producers were compliant with the standards. The average SCC of milk obtained from small producers was 2.2 × 105 SC/mL, while that of large milk producers was 3.9 × 105 SC/mL. Milk produced by small producers contained significantly higher fat, protein, lactose, and solids content. Milk produced by larger dairy farmers was mainly composed of lactose. In brief, the microbiological quality of milk from larger producers was higher, and SCC is proportional to the productivity. In addition, milk obtained from small dairy producers has a higher solid content.