Abstract The objective of this study was to present information on the impacts resulting from Covid-19 on the artisanal coalho cheese production chain about: access to information; socioeconomic; income and government support; healthcare. The interviews were conducted using the Google Forms tool, with milk and artisanal coalho cheese producers in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The producers obtained a lot of information transmitted on television (66%); the majority to adhere to health protocols. There was instability in the production, with an initial need to reduce production resulting from prohibitive measures to trade. The level of demand with regard to the consumer market increased with the quality of milk and cheeses. An allegation of lack of support from the government to maintain the activity was also verified in 78.7% of the interviewees, but 83% had resorted to emergency aid. Therefore, it can be concluded that the challenges imposed by the pandemic are not just sanitary. The study confirmed the need to restructure public services and policies. These results can provide compelling evidence about the rural context in the country.

Abstract This work aimed to investigate the physicochemical and functional composition of bee pollen produced in different municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte/Brazil (RN) and commercial samples produced in other places. To perform these experiments, samples of dehydrated bee pollen were crushed and subjected to physicochemical evaluation, instrumental color, fatty acid profile, evaluation of the presence of bioactive compounds [Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC), carotenoids] and antioxidant activity (reduction of DPPH radical). The pH of the pollen samples varied from 4.55 to 5.08, the protein from 19.01% to 29.71%, and the ash from 2.44% to 4.27%. All pollen samples showed a yellowish-red hue (a* and b* positive), and the pollen produced in Touros/RN/BR stood out with a lighter color (L* = 32.91). The pollen produced in Touros/RN/BR showed a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of saturated fatty acids (41.60%), whereas the pollen collected in Taipu/RN/BR had a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (7.44%). Pollen samples showed a low concentration of Total Carotenoid Content (TCC) (0.81 to 22.82 µg/g), as well as a high content of TPC (1.79 to 2.28 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (1.40 to 5.70 µmol TE/g) when compared with the consulted literature. According to the obtained results, we could infer that pollen samples from different locations showed variations in physicochemical composition, coloration, fatty acid profile, TPC and antioxidant activity which reflects the geographic diversity inherent to the production sites.

Abstract The objective of this study was to prepare three donkey milk yoghurt formulations mixed with goat, cow and buffalo milk. The formulations were developed with 50% donkey milk and 50% cow, buffalo or goat milk. Concentrated mango pulp was added for flavouring. An evaluation was performed on the chemical composition of each milk sample and the formulated yoghurts. The donkey milk showed the lowest values for fat, protein, casein, total solids and non-fat solids. In turn, goat milk reached higher levels of fat and total solids. Furthermore, buffalo milk stood out with the highest values of protein and non-fat solids. Yoghurt made with donkey and buffalo milk showed higher concentrations of protein, lactose, total solids and non-fat solids. In contrast, the yoghurt that contained donkey and cow milk in its formulation obtained a higher fat percentage and a lower percentage of lactose, total solids and non-fat solids. The low content of fat and total solids in donkey milk, in addition to the structure of the casein micelles and small fat globules favor low consistency in fermented products. Thus, mixing donkey milk with milks from other animal species can result in better chemical composition and better consistency.

Abstract This study aimed to develop Greek style yoghurts with the addition of bovine colostrum. Four yoghurt formulations were produced with different colostrum content (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%). The fat, protein, total solids, ash, retinol levels were quantified as well as the colour was measured. A sensory analysis was conducted with 103 untrained panelists, evaluating the attributes of appearance, aroma, consistency, flavour, overall acceptance and the purchase intention. Colostrum addition increased the fat and protein levels in the yoghurt formulations. The Greek style yoghurts with bovine colostrum reached sensory acceptance above 70% for all attributes.

Abstract The objective of this work was to investigate the factors which affect the consumption of organic foods enriched with functional properties. The study was developed by investigating the consumer profile of organic and functional foods by applying a questionnaire hosted on the Google Forms® platform (docs.google.com/forms/). The obtained results show that individuals in the age group 31 to 40 years old and those 51 and older, widowed, divorced and inhabitants of the Midwest, Southeast and South regions consume organic food more often. The education level did not influence the willingness to pay more for the purchase of an organic food, the consumption frequency or the interest in consuming organic food with functional potential. The interviewee group had a monthly income of up to R$4,686.00 (In Reais - 5 minimum monthly salaries) and showed a consumption frequency between “almost never” and “sometimes”, while those with an income higher than R$4,686.00 presented between “sometimes” and “often”. Residents of capital cities and from smaller cities showed similar behavior for all variables analyzed. We can conclude that the degree of confidence and the interest in consuming organic foods with functional potential were little influenced by socio-demographic differences.

Abstract Cheese production such as mozzarella is affected by several factors including the processing technology (e.g., cuts, fermentation, curd stretching), as well as quantity and quality of raw materials and other ingredients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mozzarella cheese yield and buffalo milk composition, processing factors, and losses of whey constituents using polynomial regression and adjusted R2. All regression coefficients associated with each explanatory variable were significantly different from zero. The models explained an average of 99% of the variation in the dataset. The regression models showed that the concentration of milk components (e.g., fat, protein, casein, lactose, total solids), somatic cell score, age and acidity of the starter culture, time between curd cuts, and percentage of lost whey constituents highly influenced the mozzarella cheese yield. The buffalo dairy industry should focus on rigorous control of milk quality and processing factors to standardize and optimize mozzarella cheese yield efficiency.

Abstract The aims were to evaluate the effect of breed on the genetic polymorphism kappa-casein, physicochemical composition of milk and Coalho cheese, and on cheese yield; and to evaluate the effect of different periods of storage on sensorial acceptance of the Coalho cheese obtained from milk of Guzerat, Gyr and Sindi cows. Twenty (20) cows of Zebu breeds were selected, from which it was obtained the frequency values of the genetic polymorphism kappa-casein. Milk were submitted to fat, protein, lactose, non-fat solids and total solids, electrical conductivity analysis and somatic cell count. Cheeses were submitted to fat, protein, total solids, pH, moisture and yield (g TS/L) analysis. Attributes appearance, aroma, texture and flavor were judged at the 1st, 25th and 46th day of storage. There was a total frequency of 0.70 for genotype AA, 0.30 for genotype AB. There was no significant difference in milk composition among the studied breeds. However, there were differences in the physicochemical composition (with the exception of the protein) and the yield of the cheeses, but all the breeds showed a similar real yield. It was found effect of the storage period on the cheeses sensory attributes in the different breeds, with the exception of the appearance. The milk of the Guzerat, Gyr and Sindi breeds constitute an excellent raw material for the production of curd cheese and ensures a satisfactory sensorial acceptance of the product at the 1st, 25th and 46th days of storage.

Resumen Los objetivos fueron evaluar el efecto de la raza sobre el polimorfismo genético de la kappa-caseína, la composición fisicoquímica de la leche y del queso Coalho, y el rendimiento del queso, así como evaluar el efecto de diferentes periodos de almacenamiento sobre la aceptación sensorial del queso Coalho obtenido a partir de leche de vacas Guzerat, Gyr y Sindi. Se seleccionaron veinte (20) vacas de razas cebú y se obtuvieron sus valores de frecuencia del polimorfismo genético de la kappa-caseína. La leche se sometió a un análisis de grasa, proteína, lactosa, sólidos no grasos y sólidos totales, conductividad eléctrica y cuenta de células somáticas. Los quesos se sometieron a análisis de grasa, proteína, sólidos totales, pH, humedad y rendimiento (g ST/L). Se evaluaron los atributos apariencia, aroma, textura y sabor en los días 1, 25 y 46 de almacenamiento. La frecuencia total fue de 0.70 para el genotipo AA y 0.30 para el genotipo AB. No hubo diferencias significativas en la composición de la leche entre las razas estudiadas. Sin embargo, hubo diferencias en la composición fisicoquímica (exceptuando la proteína) y el rendimiento de los quesos; pero todas las razas mostraron un rendimiento real similar. El periodo de almacenamiento tuvo efectos observables sobre los atributos sensoriales de los quesos en las diferentes razas, con la excepción de su apariencia. La leche de las razas Guzerat, Gyr y Sindi constituye una excelente materia prima para la producción de cuajada y garantiza una aceptación sensorial satisfactoria del producto a los días 1, 25 y 46 de almacenamiento.

Abstract Our aim was to evaluate the sensorial acceptance and consumption intent of pasteurized milks and coalho cheeses produced with milk with low (80,000 cells/mL) and high (480,000 cells/mL) somatic cell count (SCC) level. Low SCC pasteurized milk (LCC) obtained statistically higher scores on the aroma, consistency, flavor and overall liking attributes in comparison with high SCC pasteurized milk. LCC mean scores for all attributes were statistically higher than high SCC Coalho Cheese. High SCC in raw milk has a detrimental effect on the quality of pasteurized milk and coalho cheeses as it presented lower sensory acceptance, failing to meet the consumer’s desired expectations.

Abstract The objective of this study was to correlate the gender and behavior of consumers of organic foods enriched with functional properties. The study was carried out by investigating the profile of organic and functional food consumers through the application of a questionnaire. A total of 1230 responses (of the questionnaire) were collected from people from all Brazilian states through social networks and e-mails following the snowball technique during the months of February and March 2017. The results showed that women expressed greater interest in consuming organic foods enriched with functional properties compared to men. Men and women agree that organic food are produced in a sustainable. Their high price, difficult access, irregular supply and availability in few establishments were highlighted as the main limiting factors for not consuming organic food, while an increased motivation (of consumption) was related to the awareness that organic foods are healthier and can improve quality of life. Fruits and vegetables are the most consumed organic foods among men and women, however women consume more functional foods than men. Thus, there are few differences in behavior and eating habits of organic foods between men and women.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the milking method, the storage conditions and the SCC (Somatic Cell Count) increase on the quality of raw milk. Monthly evaluations were performed out over a year in 21 tanks by monitoring the refrigeration temperature and the storage time of the milk in the tank. The tanks were grouped into three temperature levels. Milk storage time intervals were established in each tank: up to 24 h of storage; between 24 and 48 h; and above 48 h. The effect of SCC on the composition was evaluated in three categories: Low SCC; Medium SCC; High SCC. In the analyzed period, 10.8 % presented low SCC, followed by 46.5 % with medium SCC, while 42.7 % had high SCC. There was a positive correlation between SCC and protein, and a negative correlation between SCC and lactose. It is concluded that the milking method does not influence the microbial contamination of the milk; however, longer storage time and increased temperature influenced an increase in microorganism counts in milk. In evaluating the hygienic/sanitary quality of the milk, 42.7 % had high SCC and the total bacterial counts presented values above the values recommended by legislation.

Resumen Las condiciones del ordeño y almacenamiento pueden afectar a la calidad de la leche cruda. Se hizo una evaluación de la influencia del método de ordeño, las condiciones de almacenamiento y el aumento en el recuento de células somáticas (RCS) en la calidad de la leche cruda. Se realizaron evaluaciones mensuales durante un año en 21 tanques mediante el monitoreo de la temperatura de refrigeración y el tiempo de almacenamiento de la leche en el tanque. Los tanques se agruparon en tres rangos de temperatura. Se establecieron intervalos de tiempo de almacenamiento de leche en cada tanque: hasta 24 h; de 24 a 48 h; y más de 48 h. El efecto de RCS sobre la composición se evaluó en tres categorías: RCS bajo; RCS intermedio; y RCS alto. En el período analizado, solo el 10.8 % de los tanques tuvieron un RCS bajo, el 46.5 % tuvieron uno intermedio, y el 42.7 % uno alto. Hubo una correlación positiva entre el RCS y el nivel de la proteína, y una correlación negativa entre el RCS y el nivel de la lactosa. Los resultados indican que el método de ordeño no influye en la contaminación microbiana de la leche. En contraste, un mayor tiempo de almacenamiento y el aumento de la temperatura causaron un aumento en el RCS y el conteo microbiano total. Las prácticas de higiene en los hatos y los tanques estudiados requieren de mejoramiento, ya que el 42.7 % de los tanques presentaron un RCS alto y los conteos bacterianos totales presentaron valores superiores a los recomendados por la legislación.

Abstract Colostrum is the first secretion of the mammary gland produced after birth, differentiating itself from mature milk because it has a higher concentration of proteins, immunoglobulins, vitamins, minerals, bactericides (lactoferrin, lysozyme and lactoperoxidase) and growth factors. The use of bovine colostrum for human consumption has been registered for many years in food or in medicinal therapies, and several studies have been conducted with the objective of evaluating its benefits in human food supplementation. The results point to improvements in cases of gastrointestinal, respiratory, inflammation, and bone development diseases, among others. Its commercialization currently takes place in physical or online markets in some countries. However, its commercialization for human consumption in Brazil is very recent, placing bovine colostrum as a new functional food option for consumers.

Abstract Our objective was to address the use of equine milk for human consumption, highlighting important compositional aspects and peculiar characteristics of this milk. Equine milk stands out for its similarity to breastmilk in compositional aspects considering the quality of the protein and lipid fractions, and due to the presence of important bioactive compounds. The high percentage of whey proteins and the structure of the protein micelles favor equine milk’s digestibility, while its bioactive protein richness and the good relationships established between fatty acids highlight it as a functional food. Children who are allergic to cow's milk protein, the elderly and/or people affected by skin and gastrointestinal disorders are potential consumer of equine milk. Assays have proven the therapeutic properties of koumiss ; high tolerability of equine milk by children who are intolerant to cow’s milk; beneficial effects in treating atopic dermatitis and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; and potential of this milk in the prophylaxis and/or nutritional support of patients affected by several diseases. Scientific findings highlight the potential of equine milk as a beneficial food for human health, regarding both its nutritional aspects and functionalities, which could contribute to the increased demand for equine milk in global dairy market.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence seasons of the year and somatic cell counts (SCC) on physical-chemical and sensory parameters of cow’s milk from individual and collective refrigeration tanks with different milking systems. In addition to analyzing the sensory acceptance of pasteurized milk and coalho cheese developed with high (> 800,000 cells mL-1) and low SCC levels (<200,000 cells mL-1). Seasonality did not affect fat content, casein, lactose, total solids, defatted dry extract and SCC, but lower protein levels than May and June were observed from July to September. Based on the SCC results, milk from refrigeration tanks was classified as low SCC and high SCC. The samples were used to obtain pasteurized milk and coalho cheese which were sensorially evaluated for general appearance, odor and flavor by a panel of untrained tasters using a hedonic scale of 9 points. Pasteurized milk with high and low SCC presented pleasant sensory characteristics to the consumer up until two days of storage. The same behavior was observed for coalho cheese at 20 and 40 days of shelf life, respectively.

Abstract Mozzarella cheese is typically from Italy and consumed in the whole world. The aim of this study was to characterize the manufacture of Mozzarella produced similarly to Italian in a Brazilian dairy industry regarding the milk composition usage, factors involved in the production process, use of raw materials and cheese yield. Was monitored the Mozzarella yield (MY), milk composition, manufacturing of Mozzarella cheese and recovery of whey constituents of 30 lots of Mozzarella cheese in a dairy brazilian industry. Overall, processing reached an adequate MY for this type of cheese, being below 5.0 L kg-1. We find values of 5.93 ± 1.87; 34.97 ± 2.70; 33.39 ± 2.85; 95.04 ± 4.18; 44.02 ± 2.00; and 66.82 ± 3.36 respectively for recovery of fat, protein, casein, lactose, total solids and solids-not-fat in whey. The milk used by the dairy industry had satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. The manufacturing of Mozzarella cheese was efficient.

RESUMO. A produção de leite tem elevada importância econômica em sistemas de produção de bovinos leiteiros, sendo, portanto, justificada a sua inclusão em programas de melhoramento genético. Objetivou-se avaliar as tendências genética e fenotípica de características leiteiras em animais das raças Gir (167 lactações) e Guzerá (148 lactações) no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (RN). As características avaliadas foram produção de leite, gordura e proteína, obtida a partir de controles leiteiros mensais. As diferenças esperadas na progênie (DEPs) para estas características foram preditas utilizando-se um modelo animal. Pelas médias dos valores fenotípicos e das DEP’s foram estimadas as tendências fenotípicas e genéticas em regressões lineares, em função dos anos de nascimento dos animais. Foram observadas tendências genéticas e fenotípicas positivas para a produção de leite da raça Gir (26,8 e 88,7 kg ano-1) e Guzerá (8,44 e 37,68 kg ano-1). A raça Gir apresentou tendências genéticas positivas para a produção de gordura (1,08 kg ano-1) e proteína (0,45 kg ano-1) e a raça Guzerá apresentou tendências genéticas positivas para produção de gordura (0,36 kg ano-1) e proteína (0,25 kg ano-1). A seleção aplicada nos rebanhos avaliados tem produzido progressos genéticos e fenotípicos satisfatórios para as características leiteiras produção de leite, gordura e proteína.

ABSTRACT. Milk production has high economic importance in dairy cattle production systems, which justifies its inclusion in genetic breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic and phenotypic trends of dairy traits in Gyr (167 lactations) and Guzerá (148 lactations) breeds in the State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Milk, fat and protein production obtained from monthly dairy controls were the traits evaluated. The expected differences in progeny (DEPs) for these traits were estimated using an animal model. From the means of phenotypic values and DEPs, we estimated the genetic and phenotypic trends in linear regressions as a function of the year of calving of the animal. Positive genetic and phenotypic trends were observed for Gyr (26.8 and 88.7 kg year-1) and Guzerá (8.44 and 37.68 kg year-1). Gyr breed presented positive genetic trends for fat (1.08 kg year-1) and protein (0.45 kg year-1) production and the Guzerá breed showed positive genetic trends for fat (0.36 kg year-1) and protein (0.25 kg year-1) production. The selection applied in the evaluated herds has produced satisfactory genetic and phenotypic progress for milk, fat and protein production.