The effect of the heating time on somatic cell count (SCC), fat and protein in milk samples was evaluated in a completely randomized block experiment with 10 blocks with 9 replicates). Treatments used a double boiler heated to 40ºC for: 10 (control), 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 minutes. Milk samples were analysed using the fluxometric cytometry (CCS) and infrared absorbance (fat and protein percentage) equipments. Results are discussed using analysis of variance, F test and regression analysis. There were no effects of the heating time for CCS and protein percentage. Analisys of variance indicated a heating time effect on fat percentage, however the regression analysis indicated no suitable regression. It was concluded that the heating time in a double boiler at 40ºC does not affect CCS and fat and protein milk percentages, which allows a longer period of laboratory handling.
somatic cell; fat; protein; heating time; milk