Innovative approaches to enhancing the safety and resilience of dairy products under market challenges

Abstract

Against the backdrop of increasing anthropogenic pressure on the environment, ensuring the quality of food products is becoming increasingly important as a key factor in safeguarding public health. This study focuses on improving dairy production processes through the implementation of integrated approaches aimed at enhancing microbiological safety at various stages of the technological cycle. The research assessed the impact of introducing technological and sanitary innovations on the quality indicators of raw milk and the economic efficiency of Promin Agricultural Limited Liability Company in the Mykolaiv Region during 2024–2025. The study evaluated the impact of probiotic feed supplements and improved milking equipment cleaning protocols on milk quality and economic efficiency in Holstein cows. The results showed a 47% reduction in total bacterial contamination and a decrease in somatic cell count from 390,000 to 210,000 per mL, leading to fewer losses during primary processing. The proportion of non-standard milk batches decreased by 31%. Improvements in microbiological stability were matched by better physicochemical parameters: density, freezing point, and acidity remained within regulatory limits, while protein content rose from 3.2% to 3.5%. The improved quality boosted the average milk procurement price by 8%, increasing profitability. Additionally, antibiotic use decreased, and economic analysis revealed a 15% reduction in detergent costs, 10% in energy consumption, and 30% in product losses. Thus, the implemented innovative solutions proved effective and can be recommended for use not only by dairy farm specialists but also by veterinarians, certification authorities, and researchers in the agricultural sector.