THE INFLUENCE OF THE WORKING FACTOR AND CELL CONTENT ON THE PRECISION OF MICROSCOPIC COUNTS OF MILK SOMATIC CELLS1

Variations in precision of the Breed method for cell counts in milk were investigated by utilizing different working factors (WF) for the same smear and by using the same WF over a major portion of the probable cell count range. A significant inverse relationship was found between precision and the WF. With a constant WF on the other hand, the precision of the count increased very significantly as the actual cell count increased. Formulas showing the relationship between the expected high and low for any given cell count were computed via the least squares method for a WF of 20,000. Evidence was presented that a WF of 5,000 or below would be necessary when a good estimate of cell content is important.

SOME FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR VARIATION IN COUNTING SOMATIC CELLS ON PRESCOTT-BREED SMEARS OF MILK1

By means of direct microscopic observation of cells in stained smears and projection of a series of color transparencies, differences in criteria used by individuals for identification of cells to be counted in Prescott-Breed smears were discovered and described. Extensive studies revealed a unique pattern of cell distribution within smears which can materially affect the outcome of a cell count depending upon the area selected for cell counting. Among other factors, variation in size of the smear was found to have a marked affect upon resultant sample count.