Despite presenting low counts of mesophiles, the samples presented high counts of other groups and a relevant presence of proteolytics.
Samples collected from bulk tanks presented higher counts of mesophiles and psychrotrophics when compared
to immersion tanks and freezers (p < 0.05). When stored for a period of 48 h or longer, the counts of mesophiles, coliforms, Escherichia coli and psychrotrophics were also significantly higher when compared to a storage period of 24 h or less (p < 0.05).
The results indicate specific problems in goat milk production in the studied area and the need of establishing a period limit for raw goat milk collection in Brazil.