Boas práticas no manejo de vacas de leite e sua relação com a melhoria da contagem bacteriana total e contagem de células somáticas

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate how the introduction of good practices can affect Total Bacterial Count (TBC), bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) and individual Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in eight dairy farms in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil, during one year. TBC and BTSCC were monitored by collections done in the tanks of the properties and the SCC of animal samples, also collecting samples for the microbiological culture of the milk. Of the eight properties, two already used a quality program before the beginning of the project, and the others had already implemented a few good practices and had the need to improve them, with two properties presenting many flaws in the routine. The work showed that in the properties in which the good practices presented many flaws, the profile of pathogens responsible for mastitis was contagious and, even after implementing many practices, there was decrease of SCC, however, not enough to influence legal parameters. The properties that had already implemented any type of good practice, presented microbiological profile of secondary pathogens, especially of properties presenting quality work before the project. In the microbiological cultures, negative Staphylococcus coagulase (NSC) (22.74%), Streptococcus sp. (12.01%), S. agalactiae (7.39%), Enterococcus (3.14%), S. uberis (3.14%), Corynebacterium (1.66%), algae (0.55%) and coliforms (0.55%) were isolated. Of the samples, 18.48% did not grow. The work showed that the TBC of these farms remained below the legal levels, however, BTSCC varied during the year, which was associated to the flaws in the implementation of the good practices and seasonality during the period.