RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MASTITIS AND RAW MILK QUALITY IN SMALL FARMS OF TEXCOCO, MEXICO

Abstract

The consumption of raw milk or its use in the production of dairy products, increases the risk of transmission of diseases, caused by pathogenic organisms or toxins, which affect the quality and safety of milk, as a result of poor milking practices or improper handling of the product. The objective of the study was to determine the nutritional and physicochemical quality, the presence of aflatoxins in raw milk, as well as risk factors for mastitis, in 20 family farms in the Texcoco region of Mexico. MilkoScan FT1 was used for physicochemical and nutritional analysis of milk and somatic cells and cow health were quantified using the Somaticell test; in addition, the presence of Aflatoxin M1 was determined by lateral flow immuno-chromatogenetics. The results showed normal nutritional values of milk according to NMX-F-700-COFOCALEC-2012, which assure its quality for human. The pH varied from 5.0 - 8.4, indicating poor control of milk temperature on some farms, causing acidity problems. Logistic analysis showed that a good cleaning of the udder in the milking prevents it to be a risk factor for the increase of somatic cells and degree of mastitis, not so the type of milking and sealing of udders. The Somaticell technique®, allowed a quantitative and efficient diagnosis of clinical mastitis and no presence of aflatoxin AFM1 was found in raw milk, which ensures that there is no problem for the consumption of the product or its transformation into products Dairy.