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Fat Test Errors from Improper Mixing and Precision of the Milko-Tester

Animal Science Research Division, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705

ABSTRACT

Duplicate samples from the milk of individual cows, taken by milkers who were not given specific sampling instructions, differed by an average of .14 ± .16% SD fat (absolute difference). When duplicate samples were taken from individual cows after intensive stirring, pouring once, or pouring twice, the average absolute difference between duplicates was close to .03% fat in all cases. When milk was not mixed sufficiently prior to sampling, the sample taken first was higher in fat than the second sample in 80% of the comparisons. First samples averaged 3.83% fat while second samples averaged 3.66% fat. These data emphasize the importance of proper mixing when samples of milk are to be taken for analysis of fat content.

Repeat testing of 272 milk samples from individual cows for fat content by the Milko-Tester yielded an average absolute difference between repeat samples of .038 ± .039% SD. These findings corroborate previous claims that the Milko-Tester gives highly repeatable results when properly adjusted and operated.