Abstract :
Goat milk is an important component of nutrition in semi-arid regions. Production in
Paraiba State is primarily supported by government agencies and often used in social programs
such as “Fome Zero”, a project intended to improve the nutritional status of the
population in underdeveloped areas. However, private market access is a core necessity for
the long-term sustainability of smallholder producers in the goat milk value chain. The aim
of this study was to provide a baseline investigation into the microbiological and physicochemical
traits of goat milk produced in northeastern Brazil in order to support intervention
measures for prevention and control of foodborne pathogens. Bulk milk samples from 96
family producers were collected and analyzed quantitatively for aerobic mesophilic bacteria,
total coliforms and Staphylococcus spp., and qualitatively for Salmonella enterica. Somatic
cell counts and milk composition in terms of protein, fat, and dry extract were also determined.
The results indicate high bacterial counts in raw milk. Aerobic mesophilic counts
higher than 5×105 CFU/ml were found in 62.5% of the samples. Mean coliform and Staphylococcus
counts were 1.2×106 and 1.9×106 CFU/ml, respectivey. S. enterica was detected
in two (2.1%) samples. Somatic cell counts higher than 1×106 cells/ml were found in
87.5% farms. Possible risk factors associated with mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliform,
Escherichia coli and staphylococci counts were identified. These results indicate the need
to reduce bacteriological counts in raw milk and further investigate potential associations
with mastitis in this region.
