The present study aimed to analyze the annual evolution of cooled raw milk quality, through analytical analysis of the data base of individual bulk milk tanks analysis, monthly computed from April/2002 to December/2008 at a dairy industry in Minas Gerais. The mean volume of milk in compliance with IN51 for total bacterial count for year 2008 increased from 74.3% in 2002 to 85.8% in 2008. Considering IN51 for year 2011, these values would be 30.5% and 46.6%, respectively. The mean volume of milk in compliance with IN51 for somatic cells count reduced from 93.5% in 2002 to 90.1% in 2008. Considering the legal standard for the year of 2011, these values would be 64.9 and 60.5%, respectively. In relation to the solid composition of milk, the mean volume of milk in compliance with IN51 for fat, protein and solids nonfat were 95.2%, 98.2% and 89.6%, respectively. The season variations affected the quality of the bulk tank cooled raw milk from bulk tanks. The implantation of a payment system for the quality of milk to the producer revealed to be efficient in its objective to improve the quality indexes of raw milk.
milk; IN 51; total bacterial and somatic cell count; composition; quality payment
