ABSTRACT
Water samples from supply sources, reservoir and stable outlets in 30 dairies were analyzed to evaluate risk in milk quality and in the health of the mammary gland which may depend on water quality in milk production. Ninety percent of water source, 86.7% of reservoir and 96.7% of stables samples failed to comply with microbiological standards. Results showed Staphylococcus spp. in 80.0%, 63.3% and 66.7% of water source, reservoir and stable samples respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in water samples from the 3 sites, and all samples (100%) of water from the stables were able to produce enterotoxins. Results showed that water used in dairies may be harmful to the health of the mammary gland and jeopardize milk quality.
KEY WORDS:
Water; milk production; Staphylococcus; enterotoxin.