Propuesta de un manual de buenas prácticas de ordeño en la finca ``Avena Polaca`` de Santo Domingo, Ecuador.

Abstract

This research aimed to develop a proposal for a manual of Good Milking Practices for the ''Avena Polaca'' farm in Santo Domingo de Los Tsáchilas. The study consisted of a checklist to determine the most vulnerable parameters of the farm to apply good milking practices. The manual validation was carried out in three parts: livestock, milk, and live and inert surfaces of the milking area. The animal health and hygienic condition of the mammary gland of the cows was analyzed by employing the California mastitis test and somatic cell count. The milk underwent physicochemical analyses such as density, non-fat solids, proteins, fat, pH, and alcohol. The presence of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Mesophilic Aerobes, molds, and yeasts was studied on the live and inert surfaces of the milking area. As a result, it was obtained that 10% of the cows suffer from subclinical mastitis. It was found that the raw milk produced on the farm complied with the requirements of the standard (NTE INEN 9:2012). In addition, it was determined that the personnel do not wash their hands properly, and the surfaces are deteriorated. Finally, a proposal of improvement was recommended for mechanical milking in which hygiene and cleaning procedures are included to improve the milking area and its surroundings. It is recommended to socialize the application of the manual to large and small producers so that they can produce raw milk with hygiene and quality.