A comparison of the hydrometric and gravimetric methods for the determination of solids-not-fat when applied to the milk of individual cows in a single herd

Abstract

Summary: Five hundred and sixty-nine individual cow milk samples from forty-five cows in a single herd were analyzed for fat by the Gerber method, and solids-not-fat by a standard gravimetric method and by the two commonly used British hydrometric techniques. Three hundred and four of the samples were analyzed also for lactose, protein and ash. Large differences between the total solids values obtained by the hydrometric and gravimetric methods were recorded. The magnitude of the differences from the gravimetric values varied with the season of the year and the stage of lactation. The main factor affecting the differences was the protein content of the milk, and equations for the calculation of total solids content incorporating a protein correction factor are given for use if the protein content be known. The hydrometric methods are considered to be of limited use when applied to milks of individual cows.