Selected Problems in Butterfat Sampling and Testing

Excerpts from the report: This is a report of eight studies of techniques in sampling milk and testing it for butterfat content. Most of the methods studied have been suggested by Federal order market administrators or others as subjects needing research, because there was insufficient reliable knowledge as to whether they cause significant difference in test results. If duplicate series of samples are tested by techniques differing even slightly, the average percentages of butterfat and the variations around these averages may be different. Variations in test results, beyond those inherent in the Babcock test, also may be caused by a number of factors, such as slight differences between individuals in performing testing routines, difference in the representativeness of samples, and slight differences in procedures. Variations of this kind can be controlled, and to this end the present study is addressed. Specifically, the task of this present study is: 1. To determine how and to what extent the use of different techniques in sampling and testing may affect test results. 2. To indicate biases and variations in test results along with probability that variations of a given size will occur when a given technique is used.