Seasonal evaluation of physicochemical parameters in raw milk received by a dairy plant in northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract

Milk production in the north of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, is highly heterogeneous and studies are needed to evaluate local production, especially considering that the high standard of quality of milk is essential for market expansion. This study evaluated the seasonal variation of the physicochemical parameters of raw milk collected in a dairy plant in northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Milk from local farmers was analyzed from August 2010 to August 2011, totaling 276 samples. Milk quality was evaluated in terms of titratable acidity, fat, nonfat dry solids (ESD), total dry solids (EST) and density. The presence of antibiotics, alkaline, peroxidase, formaldehyde and whey in milk was also evaluated. The results obtained indicated that the physicochemical quality of the milk meets the requirements currently established by the Brazilian regulatory agency. The small seasonal fluctuations of titratable acidity, fat and ESD observed did not affect the physicochemical quality of the milk over the year.