Factores que afectan las propiedades físicas y la composición química de la leche de búfalas (Bubalus bubalis) en Corrientes, Argentina

Abstract

El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar fisicoquímicamente la leche de búfala producida enla Provincia de Corrientes, así como investigar variaciones atribuibles al estadio de lactación,época del año y raza, comparando estos resultados con los obtenidos en otras latitudes porotros autores. Se trabajó con leche de 40 búfalas de razas Murrah y mestizas ½ Murrah y ½Mediterránea, de segunda a quinta lactación, durante 12 meses, totalizando 960 muestras.Los animales pertenecían a un tambo localizado en una región de clima subtropical húmedo,con precipitaciones anuales de 1.694,5 mm y temperatura media anual de 22,0°C. Se obtuvieronvalores medios para densidad (1,0307±0,0039 g/ml), acidez (19,65±2,96°Dornic), pH(6,71±0,16), sólidos totales (16,35±2,42 %), grasa (7,22±1,89 %), proteína (3,85±0,92 %), lactosa(4,49±0,24 %) y cenizas (0,83±0,08 %). Estos parámetros no revelaron diferencias significativasatribuibles a la raza de los animales. Sólidos totales, grasa y acidez exhibieronincrementos significativos (p < 0,05) en el tercer tercio de la lactancia. La época del año noafectó la composición química de la leche de búfala, pero la acidez mostró aumentos significativosen primavera y verano. Se enfatiza la importancia de disponer de patrones de referenciaespecíficos para la leche bubalina, ya que los actualmente empleados en nuestro país han sidoobtenidos en leche bovina.

This study was conducted to determine the physical–chemical milk composition of buffalo raised in Corrientes, Argentina, as well as to investigate variations attributed to lactation period, time of the year and breed, for their comparison with the mean rates established in other countries. Milk samples (960) were collected from 20 Murrah and 20 half–breed Murrah x Mediterranean of second and fifth lactation respectively. Animals were located in a dairy farm area with subtropical wet climate with 1.694, 5 mm annual rains and annual mean temperature of 22.0°C. Mean records were: density 1.0307±0.0039 g/ml; acidity 19.65±2.96°Dornic; pH 6.71±0.16; total solids 16.35±2.42 %; fat 7.22±1.89 %; protein 3.85±0.92 %; lactose 4.49±0.24 % and ashes 0.83±0.08 %. Acidity was the only parameter showing significant differences (p < 0.05) in winter period in regard to spring and summer, and during spring and summer in relation with autumn time. Regarding lactation stage, acidity, fat and total solids have shown significant differences in the 3rd (7 to 9 months), in regard to the 1st (1 to 3 months), and the 2nd (4 to 6 months), which have not shown any differences between them. Based on this data and the environmental conditions, it is possible to conclude that acidity, fat and total solids have been the milk physical–chemical constituents of buffalo which showed greater variability. No differences exist between breeds. An increase in the acidity was also perceived, fat and total solids percentages in the three third lactation stage. Seasonality did not affect the milk physical–chemical constituents with exception of the acidity. The convenience of developing specific standards for buffalo milk is suggested because those used in Argentina correspond to bovine milk.