Physicochemical characterization of bovine milk in cattle herds in the municipality of Juticalpa, Olancho, Honduras

Resumen

Milk characterization is essential for the industrialization and production of high-quality dairy products. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of bovine milk in dairy herds located in the municipality of Juticalpa, across various communities. A sample of 18 herds was selected. Field visits were carried out between February and August 2024 to analyze the presence of mastitis in each cow. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was used to detect subclinical mastitis, and the results were recorded on a report sheet for later tabulation in a database. From each herd, a milk sample was collected and analyzed in triplicate at the dairy laboratory of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) Olancho Campus to assess its physicochemical properties. The results showed that the highest milk production occurred in the community of La Concepción, where cows produced over 10 liters of milk per day. Mastitis was found to be prevalent across all herds: 77.77% of the herds showed evidence of the disease, and milking was done manually. Additionally, in some herds, mastitis prevalence ranged from 81 to 100% of the cows. Regarding physicochemical parameters, only fat content, and pH met the minimum standards established by Honduran milk regulations.