Estatus bacteriológico de sistemas lecheros mediante análisis de leche de tanque asociado con la rutina de ordeño y sanitización de equipos en las provincias de Cañar y Azuay

Abstract

Since the 1970s, bulk tank milk analysis (BTMA) has become increasingly important in identifying pathogens responsible for mastitis. It has also been shown that it can be used to monitor the health of dairy herd udders. In this way, we identify bacteria referred to as colony- forming units (CFUs) and correlate them with milking routines, equipment cleaning, and mammary gland infection. The most important of these include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp. This study was conducted on 40 dairy farms in the Azuay and Cañar regions, collecting necessary samples for bacteriological and somatic cell analysis. To ensure sample homogeneity and preserve the cold chain, the samples were taken after the morning milking, and after the sampling, a survey was conducted with the farm manager to record data about the farm, the milking routine, and equipment maintenance. The aim was to correlate bacteriological counts with milking and sanitation practices, thereby demonstrating its usefulness as a monitoring and control tool. For statistical analysis, both the survey and laboratory data were considered, finding associations between categorical variables, which helped establish significant relationships between milking routines and the likelihood of increasing, maintaining, or reducing colony- forming units whose presence affects the quality and value of the milk.