Hi all, what is the difference between these two agars. I've checked their composition, which is about the same. If i were to perform a viable cell count, is it better to use plate count agar?

HI!

Generally nutrient agar is used for total microorganisms in water, beverages and biological products. E.coli, Salmonella Enteritis, Bacillus subtilis and S. aureus can grow and the incubation is at 37ْ C for 24-48 h.
The plate count agar is used to enumerate aerobic bacteria in milk, meats, meat based products as well for the analysis of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics etc. E.coli, S.aureus and Pseudomonas can grow. The incubation period depends on what you wish to find.
At 30 C for72 h is the usual for the detection of mesophilic bacteria
At 55 C for 72h for thermophilic
At 5,5 C for ten days for psychropholic.
In dairy microbiology it is recommended to add 1g powdered skimmed milk per lit of medium.