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Abstract
In the European Union member states (EU), it is necessary to
evaluate hygienic condition of milk in order to determine milk price.
Similar requirement was set by the Republic of Croatia in 2000. The
Rulebook defines minimal quality criteria that fresh raw milk must have
in order to be purchased. Upon completion of analysis, milk is classified
into quality classes, each having a defined price. Increased value of
somatic cell count (SCC) (higher than 400.000/ml) and MO (higher than
100.000/ml) directly decreases the raw milk price, while higher content of
fat and protein causes its increase. Since the system of market milk price
formation was established, producers have been stimulated to produce
milk of higher quality: in a total of milk being purchased, the highest
quality milk share increased from 23.3% to 34.2%. Referring to a trend of
milk purchase price reduction in the EU, and considering the current high
milk purchase price in Croatia, Croatian producers have an opportunity to
improve conditions in milk industry before the country joins the EU.
Current milk production needs to be increased and milk quality also
needs to be improved, in order to make Croatian milk production more
competitive on the European, as well as world market.