Influence of the seasons on the quality and composition of milk from dairy farms in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to verify the relationship between parameters of physicochemical composition, microbiological quality, and volume milk delivered a dairy in northern region Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, at four different times 2020. For this purpose, volume, protein, fat, lactose, total solids, somatic cell count (SCC), standard plate (SPC) were evaluated. The data collected January, April, July, October from 1634 farms located Sul. evaluated using Pearson’s correlation, while means compared Tukey’s test, both 5% significance. Milk fat protein contents higher during fall (4.02 3.35%) winter (3.90 3.36%, respectively), contributing concentration solids. quality milk, especially SCC, is compromised warmer months due thermal stress suffered by animals, challenging their immune system increasing susceptibility diseases. highest SPC (247.12 CFU/mL) refers transfer contamination teat tank inefficiency pre-milking procedures. Therefore, was variable studied periods, reductions summer, reflecting lower remuneration for given high SCC same season.