Published 2025-07-15
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Interrelationship between good agricultural practices and the quality of refrigerated raw milk: a study of dairy farms in the Taquari Valley, Brazil

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/21456453.8588
Jeferson Aloísio Ströher Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Aline Marjana Pavan Universidade do Vale do Taquari
Nunes Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Anderson Santos de Freitas Universidade de São Paulo
Patrícia da Silva Malheiros Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Brazil is one of the world's largest milk producers, but it still faces major challenges in terms of product quality and safety, especially on family farms. In this context, the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) represents a fundamental strategy for improving the hygiene, health and production indicators of the dairy chain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying GAP on the quality of refrigerated raw milk and to characterize the socio-economic profile of 51 small dairy farms located in the Taquari Valley, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The farms, linked to a dairy agro-industry, were monitored through two technical visits carried out as part of the Milk Supplier Qualification Plan (MSQP), with a focus on identifying non-conformities and proposing improvements. During the visits, samples of refrigerated raw milk were collected for physico-chemical and microbiological analysis, and structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-economic data. The results indicated significant improvements in milk quality after the implementation of GAP, such as a reduction in temperature, an increase in fat content and compliance with legal protein and lactose standards. Despite the low level of education among the producers, there was a growing adoption of appropriate technologies in the production process. There has also been progress in preventing mastitis, although inadequate practices persist, such as the shared use of towels when drying udders. The findings of this study highlight the importance of continuous technical training and strengthening rural assistance to promote sustainability, food security and competitiveness in family dairy production.

keywords: agricultural policies, family farming, food security, good agricultural practices, milk composition, milk quality, rural development
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How to Cite

Aloísio Ströher, J., Marjana Pavan, A., dos Santos, I., Santos de Freitas , A., & da Silva Malheiros, P. (2025). Interrelationship between good agricultural practices and the quality of refrigerated raw milk: a study of dairy farms in the Taquari Valley, Brazil. Revista De Investigación Agraria Y Ambiental, 16(2), 217-239. https://doi.org/10.22490/21456453.8588
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