The Effect of Temperature of Reading on the Accuracy of the Babcock Test for Fat in Milk

Abstract

An investigation of the fundamental factors underlying the establishment of the proper temp. for reading the Babcock test, indicates that a temp. of about 53.5[degree] C for the fatty materials fulfills, on the average, the condition that its density be 0.9. This temp. is approximated in tests read after holding for 5 mins. in a water bath at 60[degree] C as well as in those read directly from the heated electric centrifuge. Differences in test due to variations in temp. of reading can be accounted for, on the average, by the coeff. of expansion of the column.