TOTAL BACTERIA COUNT IN MILK FROM COLLECTION CENTERS

Abstract

The total bacteria count in bulk tank milk from six Milk Collection Centers (MCC), assigned to the Center of Agricultural Management of Río-Bueno was studied during the period 2002-2005, using information from this organization’s database. Patterns of evaluation applied to the MCC and a representative sample of MCC producers, were also studied during 2005. Tank milk was classified (≤200,000; 200,001-400,000 and >400,000 ufc/mL), based on the payment scheme of the industry. Deficient levels in the total bacteria count of the MCC were shown every year, with significant differences in this parameter (ufc/mL) between MCC. There was a close relationship between milk handling variables of the MCC and the bacteriological quality of bulk tank milk. At farm level similarity existed in the conditions of obtaining and handling the milk and no significant differences in the methylene blue reductase test were found among producers within MCC producers. Due to the total bacteria count, between 2002-2005, the six institutions studied obtained overall bonuses of $19,260,495, not obtaining available bonuses of $159,740,097 (Chilean pesos, December 2005).