Contagem de células somáticas no leite vendido informalmente em dois municípios do sul do Piauí, Brasil / Somatic cell count in informally milk sold in two cities of southern Piaui, Brazil

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to carry out somatic cell count (SCC) in milk produced and marketed in Santa Luz and Redenção do Gurguéia in order to obtain information on the quality of the product. Milk samples (n=41) were bought in bottles of sterile glasses and these were taken into isothermal box with ice to the Food Microbiology Laboratory of UFPI Campus of Bom Jesus. In the laboratory 40 ml were removed and placed in milk bottles containing Bronopol. The samples were brought to the laboratory PROGENE, UFRPE, where the CCS is performed by flow cytometry. The CCS ranged from 1 x 103 to 5.9 x 106, averaging 5.05 x 105 cels. / Ml of milk. The results indicate poor quality of milk and high occurrence of mastitis in the herd. Actions should be instituted to improve the conditions of production and dairy trade.