Abstract

VASQUEZ, J. A; NOVOA, C. F  and  CARULLA, J. E. SOMATIC CELL COUNT EFFECT ON CHEESE YIELD AND QUALITY OF FRESH CHEESE. Rev. Med. Vet. Zoot. [online]. 2014, vol.61, n.2, pp.171-185. ISSN 0120-2952.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rfmvz.v61n2.44680.

Background: A high milk somatic cell count (SCC) is a problem for milk industry in Colombia. These high counts can affect considerably yield and final quality of cheese. Several countries have established maximum limits for SCC. In Colombia these limits have not been established officially, only a few industries have their own limits. Objectives: To determine the effect of somatic cell count (SCC) on milk potential for cheese making and sensorial quality of fresh cheese. Methods: Six milk samples with high and low SCC, were taken from bulk tanks and mixed to obtain 30 samples with SCC of 150.000 to 1.200.000 somatic cells/mL. Thirty fresh cheeses were prepared and clotting time, yield (protein, fat, dry matter) and whey losses were determined. Additionally, score descriptive sensorial quality test was performed by 6 trained judges. Protein, fat, dry matter in milk and cheese yields were analyzed by multiple regressions and information of sensorial test by Friedman method. Results: When milk SCC (somatic cells/ml) increased from 150.000 to 1.200.000, clotting time (R² = 0,74; P<0.001), and whey protein losses increased (R² = 0.55; P<0.001) and cheese yield decreased (R²=0.31, P<0.01). According to panelists, texture and appearance were affected negatively when SCC was higher than 600.000 cells per ml (P<0.01), flavor and aroma when they were higher than 800000 cells/ml. Conclusions: Increases in SCC have a negative effect on milk potential for cheese making and quality sensorial parameters on fresh cheese. It is suggested that minor impacts in fresh cheese yield would be obtained with a lower SCC and for good sensorial quality when the milk has SCC, lower than 600.000 cells per ml.

Keywords : Bovine mastitis; cheese composition; cheese yield; milk clotting time.

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