Cow Milk Protein Digestibility vs Buffalo Milk

Cow milk proteins possess which of the following as compared to buffalo milk proteins?

Correct Answer: High digestibility & high biological value

Cow milk proteins have high digestibility and high biological value compared to buffalo milk proteins. This makes cow milk particularly suitable for infant feeding and clinical nutrition.

Biological Value of Milk Proteins

• Biological value of cow milk: 86.90
• Biological value of buffalo milk: 84.04

Essential Amino Acids in Milk Proteins

• Milk proteins contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts.
• They are particularly rich in Lysine and Valine.

Milk Protein Classification

• Casein protein: 80% of total milk protein; present as colloidal suspension in the form of calcium-caseinate-phosphate complex.
• Whey proteins (milk serum proteins): α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin; present as colloidal solution.
• Cow milk contains 3% casein; buffalo milk contains 4.3% casein.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• High digestibility & low BV → incorrect; cow milk has both high digestibility AND high BV.
• Low digestibility options → incorrect; cow milk is known for excellent digestibility.