VARIATION OF CREAM TESTS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 139, 31 January 1916, Page 1

VARIATION OF CREAM TESTS.

Dairymen frequently suspect dishonesty when creameries report a variation in the per cent of butterfat in the cream marketed. The popular conception is that adjustment of the cream screw on the separator is an exact means of .increasing or decreasing the per cent of fat in the cream. Such is true only when all other conditions 9re equal each time the milk is separated. This belief, coupled with the fact that there are usually no apparent irregularities in the care of the herd, would seem to indicate that the per cent of fat in the cream should not vary. It is no wonder that unfairness or dishonesty is often suspected. However, this should not be so, as other factors, which seldom come to mind, will make a difference.

Changes in the richness and the temperature of the milk separated make a variation in the fat content of the cream. The speed of the separator bowl and the rate of inflow of milk are other causes of difference. An excess of water or skim milk used to discharge the cream remaining in the separator bowl will lower considerably the fat test in the cream. A uniform test from week to week would be more indicative of dishonesty than a variation. Of course, creamery operators sometimes make mistakes. VALUE OF SPEED INDICATOR

Reports from farmers and their experiences with cream separators are varied. In all probablity .the conditions under which the different machines are worked are even more varied. It must be borne in mind constantly that the separator is a machine of high gear, and careful handling only will give the best results. The foundation must be solid, preferably a concrete base. The need of adequate lubrication, but not to excess,' is important. Adjustments must be made to keep everything going right. Next in importance to foundation, adjustment, oil, etc., is the running of the separator. It appears easy, but very few can qualify without some instruction. How many time themselves to see if the speed is right ? If using power of any sort it is doubly important that a speed indicator be put on the machine. Change of operators also makes some difference.

In turning the hand machine the power should bo applied steadily. The hand following the crank with the same amount of power placed on it at all points of the circle it makes. When you notice strange raspiDg noises you can rest assured that the power is applied on the down stroke and on the up. You may be able to trace a good many new boxings and repairs to this sort of running. It pays to keep a speed regulator and apply the ppwer evenly to the cream separator.—" Orange Judd Farmer"