EVALUACIÓN FÍSICO-QUÍMICA Y MICROBIOLÓGICA DE LA CALIDAD DE LA LECHE CRUDA BOVINA ( Bos taurus ) QUE SE EXPENDE EN EL MERCADO DEL CANTÓN CHONE.

Abstract

The present investigation analyzed the parameters of both compositional and hygienic quality of raw milk that is sold in the market of the city of Chone, for which 24 samples were taken from 4 randomly selected vendors, during 90 days. Physicochemical parameters such as: density, pH, percentage of total solids, fat, salts, lactose and protein were determined. Likewise, the presence and quantity of microorganisms such as: mesophiles, Enterobacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were determined. The data obtained were considered in a Microsoft Excel database and its respective analysis with the statistical program SPSS 15.0 with a confidence level of 95%. It was found that the values of the physical-chemical parameters were mostly within the permissible ranges determined by national and international control bodies. However, the microbiological quality of the milk was not acceptable, due to the values of the CFU ml-1 of each of the microbial groups studied, except for the BAL, it was higher than established. It was established that there are significant differences in the microbial counts performed. This allowed us to conclude that the results by physicochemical composition are moderately acceptable, while the microbial results allowed us to show the poor hygienic conditions on the part of the vendors, by not taking care of their personal hygiene, not having conditions of maintenance of raw milk due to lack of optimal cooling conditions; which threatens the public health of consumers.