COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF MILK QUALITY BEFORE AND AFTER TECHNICAL VISITS TO DAIRY FARMS: SOMATIC CELL COUNT (SCC), TOTAL BACTERIAL COUNT (TBC), AND IMPACT OF MILK QUALITY BONUSES IN THE AMAZON REGION

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of routine technical visits on the quality of refrigerated raw milk, considering Somatic Cell Count (SCC), Total Bacterial Count (TBC), and the bonuses paid to producers. The research was carried out on six dairy farms in the Amazon region between July and September 2025, using the Milks Camp app to record conformity and non-conformity data. Laboratory analyses were performed by the LQL – Clínica do Leite, following the guidelines of Normative Instruction No. 77/2018 issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Results showed a decrease in SCC and TBC values in most farms, confirming the effectiveness of the corrective measures implemented during technical visits. Additionally, producers who met quality standards achieved higher income, demonstrating the direct economic impact of milk quality bonuses. It is concluded that routine technical visits are an essential tool for improving both milk quality and farm profitability.