Microbiologic analysis and its relation to the hygienic quality of milk produced in the region of alto de chicamocha (Department of Boyacá)

Abstract

A characterization of the hygienic and sanitary quality of uncooked milk in the Alto de Chicamocha (Department of Boyacá) was made. An analysis with laboratory tests was made in which the total count of Somatic Cells, Mesophiles, Staphylococcus, Coliforms and Listeria were evaluated in Petrifilm 3M® slides and the Brucella (milk ring test) test was carried out in 34 herds registered in the Federación de Ganaderos de Boyacá, in two different periods of the year. Statistics differences were found between the time of recollection and total counts. In the raining season cows are exposed to environmental contamination (mud, dung, etc), and therefore the total count of Mesophiles, Coliforms and Somatic Cells increases. Furthermore, the actives related to milking routine are not being effective in the reduction of the microbiologic counts. As consequence, the increase of micro organisms in the mammary gland causes mastitis and therefore a decrease in the quality of milk, which is reflected in the sanitary and hygienic components of the product and so in the economic benefits received by the producer.