Volume-Weight Conversion Factors for Milk: An Abstract of Committee Report of Study Conducted in 13 Federal Milk Order Markets

Excerpts from the report: This publication is a condensation of a comprehensive report presenting the results of a study dealing with composition-volume-weight relationships for milk and fluid milk products. The growth in the number and scope of Federal milk marketing areas, the increased movement of fluid milk products between markets, and the introduction of new products and the modification of others accelerated the need for more information about the weight of fluid milk products of varying composition. This report covers the results of testing more than 8,000 samples of raw and processed whole milk, skim milk, and cream, including products fortified by the addition of nonfat milk solids. Samples were collected at producers' farms, handlers' plants, and some at retail stores. The markets from which the samples were drawn represent a cross section of the country. The testing was conducted at 13 laboratories. The analysis covered a full year, and product weights were determined at four temperatures. Samples were tested for fat and nonfat milk solids content and precisely weighed to ascertain the specific gravity and hence the weight per gallon. Differences due to composition, temperature, geographic location, season, and other possible influences on volume-weight relationships were carefully investigated.