Chilled raw milk quality: a case study in Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

ABSTRACT: This paper aimed to analyze the evolution of the quality of raw milk produced by producers in the Zona da Mata region, in the state of Minas Gerais, between 2012 and 2018. For this purpose, we used the linear mixed-effects model to analyze the monthly evolution of the results of milk composition indicators (fat, protein, and defatted dry extract - DDE), somatic cell count - SCC, and total bacterial count - TBC, from the official monthly registry of 94 milk producers, suppliers of a region’s dairy. Results indicate a continuous reduction in the milk composition indicators between 2014 and 2018. For the SCC and TBC indicators, we identified only one-off reductions. The supply of a larger volume of milk was associated with increased TBC. Seasonality influenced all quality indicators analyzed. According to these results, we concluded that the analyzed quality of chilled raw milk offered by producers was proven worse from 2012 to 2018, despite the actions implemented by the National Milk Quality Improvement Program - PNMQL.