Perfil de propriedades qualidade da água para dessedentação de bovinos em lactação no Alto Sertão Paraibano.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical and microbiological quality of water for the lactation of lactating cattle in municipalities located in Alto Sertão Paraibano. The evaluations were carried out in 26 dairy farms in the cities of Sousa, Aparecida, São João do Rio do Peixe and Vieirópolis. A questionnaire was chosen to characterize the milk production profile. The water samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, calcium, magnesium, carbonate, bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfate. The presence or absence of Coliforms and Escherichia coli were determined. Descriptive statistics were used for mean, maximum, minimum, error, standard deviation, correlation coefficient. It identified that the main source of income for milk production, it covers technological levels of different proportions, in which not all have technical assistance. In addition, but there is no concern of the owners regarding the sources of supply nor with cleaning of the drinkers. The results show values of Calcium and Magnesium found in water do not present values that indicate concern. The levels of chlorine present in the water do not affect consumption or compromise the performance of lactating cattle. It was verified that the highest recorded pH value was 9.5, in which only one sample was above that established by the National Environment Council. The temperature of the water even in outdoor environments did not exceed 30ºC, thus reflecting good temperature conditions for consumption. The water was mostly characterized as bicarbonated calcium or magnesium that can be used for consumption. The EC showed correlation with sodium, carbonate, bicarbonate, temperature, total solids dissolved. The water used for drinking water is mostly from brackish water 17 properties (65.4%). The microbiological aspects verified that in all the properties the drinkers contained the presence of fecal Colifomes, and E. Coli in only one property was not positive. The water used for lactating cattle complies with the physicochemical standards established by CONAMA. The properties are found with drinking fountains contaminated with fecal coliforms and E. coli, serving as a contamination agent for animals and humans.