Luciano Patto Novaes

Influence of the year and calving season on production, composition and mozzarella cheese yield of water buffalo in the State of Rio Grande Do Norte, Brazil

This research was carried out to evaluate the influence of the year and calving season on the production, composition and mozzarella cheese yield index (PKM) of Murrah water buffalos. We analyzed a data set of 514 lactations collected from 2004 to 2008, recorded and archived in software of a farm located in Taipu, in the eastern region of Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. To assess the effects of calving season, the year was divided into a rainy season (from March to August) and a dry season (from September to February). Results showed that the year influenced daily production and PKM (P<0.05). However, no effects were observed on logarithm somatic cell count (LSCC), fat, protein and total dry extract (TDE). The season had no influence on the variables analyzed and no interaction was observed between the year and the season. The season and its interactions had no effect on water buffalo performance in relation to dairy production and PKM index of mozzarella efficiency.

Evaluation of microbiological, cellular and risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis in female buffaloes

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and cellular milk profile for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in female buffaloes and to assess risk factors for predisposition of the disease. Methods Analyses were carried out by standard plate count (SPC), identification of species and antibiotic resistance, somatic cell count (SCC), electrical electrical conductivity of milk (ECM), and lactoferrin content in milk. Teat cups were swabbed to evaluate risk factors, observing hyperkeratosis, milking vacuum pressure and cleanliness of the site. Hence, 30 female buffaloes were randomly selected (15 from a group in early lactation and 15 in late lactation). Results The most common bacteria in the microbiological examination were Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Corynebacterium sp. In the antibiotic sensitivity test, 10 (58.82%) of the 17 antibiotics tested were sensitive to all isolates, and resistant bacteria were Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus haemolyticus, and Escherichia coli. It was observed that positive samples in the microbiological examination showed total bacterial count between 9.10×103 to 6.94×106 colony forming units/mL, SCC between 42,000 to 4,320,000 cells/mL and ECM ranging from 1.85 to 7.40 mS/cm. It was also found that the teat cups had high microbial counts indicating poor hygiene, and even faults in the cleanliness of the animals’ waiting room were observed. It is concluded that values of SCC above 537,000 cells/mL and ECM above 3.0 mS/mL are indications of mammary gland infection for this herd; however, the association of these values with a microbiological analysis is necessary to more accurately evaluate the health status of mammary glands with subclinical mastitis. Conclusion Through phenotypic characterization of bacteria involved in the samples, the genera Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Corynebacterimum bovis were the most prevalent in this study. Faults in environment and equipment hygienization are factors that are directly associated with mastitis.

Avaliação dos impactos ambientais e sociais gerados pela utilização do kit Embrapa de ordenha manual na produção de leite de cabra

This study aimed to assess the social and environmental expectations of producers and the exante and ex-post evaluation of the environmental and social impacts of using Embrapa`s milking kit for dairy goats in agricultural family farmers. Two studies were conducted: the first study was conducted in 37 properties distributed between the municipalities of Monteiro/PB, Quixadá/CE e Afonso Bezerra/RN and the second study was conducted on 14 properties in the city of Monteiro/PB. This evaluation of social and environmental impact was done using the methodology of the “Sistema de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental de Inovações Tecnológicas Agropecuárias” (Ambitec-Agro), which were implemented two modules: Ambitec-Animal Production and Welfare. For the study two the data used in this study were obtained through questionnaires and interview with farmers, whose had attributed to each variable a specific value that represents the change provided by the implementation of that technology. The farmers expects that the adoption of Embrapa`s Milking Kit led to overall rates of positive environmental and social impacts, with the Monteiro region, the county showing a statistical difference at 5% level. The adoption of the Embrapa kit has generated positive environmental and social impacts on all properties, indicating that this technology is suitable and may be appropriate in family farming systems.