Determinación microbiológica y fisicoquímica en la leche cruda producida en la finca "Ramos Urcu", Saraguro, 2023

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Raw milk not meeting optimal microbiological and physicochemical control may cause food poisoning. The presence of dangerous microorganisms and the violation of organoleptic and physicochemical requirements may be due to improper handling of the product during collection, storage, and distribution.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was the microbiological and physicochemical determination of raw milk produced at the "Ramos Urcu" farm, Saraguro, 2023.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methodology applied was a qualitative-quantitative, observational, and transversal experimental study. The universe consists of the volume intended for collection. Thirty samples were taken for microbiological and physicochemical determination of raw milk. The presence of mesophilic aerobes was quantified using Compact Dry TC plates and Staphylococcus aureus using Compact Dry X-SA plates. Also, somatic cell count was performed by making a smear and observing stained cells. In addition, organoleptic and physicochemical requirements were analyzed (pH, relative density, titratable acidity, reductase assay, protein stability reaction, chloride, and starch determination).

RESULTS: The results obtained in the different microbiological and physicochemical analyses of the raw milk produced at the "Ramos Urcu" farm, Saraguro canton, showed that the vast majority of these parameters are within the permissible limits of the NTE INEN 9:2015 (Ecuadorian Technical Standard for milk quality).