How should a representative sample be defined in terms of milk fat?

A representative sample is defined as one that accurately reflects the characteristics of the bulk material from which it is taken. In the context of milk fat, this means that the representative sample should contain the same percent milk fat as the bulk. This ensures that any analysis or testing conducted on the sample will provide results that can be generalized to the entire bulk lot.

Having a sample with the same percentage of milk fat permits accurate quality control and ensures compliance with standards. If the milk fat content were different, it could lead to incorrect conclusions about the bulk product, such as its quality or compliance with regulatory requirements. Thus, the key to effective sampling is that it is truly representative of the bulk's properties, including its fat content.