*CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, some socioeconomic and technical assistance factors were significantly associated with some aspects of the quality of bulk tank milk. Greater efforts from professional rural extension teams were made for herds with higher BMSCC levels, targeting the compliance of these producers with current Brazilian legislation. As reported by farmers, the search for emergency technical assistance was effective against TBC problems but ineffective for controlling mastitis in the herd and reducing BMSCC levels (which require more attention from farmers and dairy milk extension teams). The 10 step mastitis control program from the National Mastitis Council needs to be included on the surveyed farms, especially the permanent advisory technical assistance from veterinarians, aiming towards the establishment of goals for udder health status, reviews and records.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS