Dairy production system type and critical points of contamination

<p>Current milk production includes a large diversity between systems, which generates difficulties in defining a microbiological standard. The adapted practical and hygienic-sanitary management methods are diverse and introduce great complexity into the production systems. Based on this scenario, the objective of this study was to evaluate the types of dairy production systems of western Parana and to quantify <em>Staphylococcus sp </em>in three critical points in the dairy cattle production systems: the milking machines, milkers’ hands, the cooling tanks and raw milk. A total of 35 samples of refrigerated raw milk were collected, and a questionnaire referring to hygienic and sanitary management was administered. All of the data were collected during the period from September to October 2012 and involved 35 properties in the municipality of Marechal Cândido Rondon – PR. From these data, five groups were formed based on cluster analysis (CHA). The multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) presented in the first two dimensions, CP1 (81.43%) and CP2 (36.87%), showed the relevance of the variables used, which are sanitary and production management methods, and contamination and control of mastitis, respectively (CP1 and CP2). We found average contamination with 9.9 x 101 CFU/cm2, 2.2x104 CFU/cm2, 28 CFU/ cm2 and 3.8x103 CFU/mL; for milking machines, milkers’ hands, cooling tanks and milk, respectively. The results reveal the presence of staphylococcal agent in dairy production systems regardless of the adopted hygiene and health management protocols. The guidance, planning and adaptation of hygiene and health management systems can significantly improve the microbiological quality of the milk produced, both qualitatively and quantitatively.