Avaliação da qualidade de leite cru refrigerado de produtores assistidos pela EMATER/RS no município de São Luiz Gonzaga (RS)

As a relevant source of nutrients, cow’s milk is widely consumed worldwide and its production is an important source of income for small farmers. Considering the need for research on milk quality in the city of São Luiz Gonzaga (RS), the objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological patterns of milk from producers assisted by EMATER/RS in the city of São Luiz Gonzaga (RS) and to characterize the profile of these producers regarding proper milking practice. The characterization of the producers profile was obtained after they filled in a form. Quality assays were performed with milk samples from 10 producers. In the form results, we observed that 70% of producers do not execute the pre-dipping, 60% do not execute post-dipping, 40% do not perform CMT test to check mastitis in animals and 60% declared that the milking sites are the stables. For physicochemical analyzes, the pH averages ranged from 6,51 to 6,81 and titratable acidity varied between 15 °D and 21 °D. All density results were within the value required by the legislation (1,028 to 1,034). The averages of fat determination were between 2,5% and 5,9%, and for EST (total dry extract) results were found ranging from 10,72% to 15,27% and for ESD (dry extract defatted) from 7,92% to 9,37%. In the standard plate count, results ranged from 1,78 x 10 4 CFU/mL to 4,8 x 10 6 CFU/mL. Regarding the presence of total coliforms, there was a variation between 28 MPN/mL to >1100 MPN/mL and the results of thermotolerant coliforms were <3.0 MPN/mL to >1100 MPN/mL. The results demonstrate the need for corrective actions when obtaining raw milk, seeking to comply with legal norms and proper milking practice to preserve product quality.