Lactose Content of Cow and Buffalo Milk

Average lactose content of cow milk & buffalo milk respectively is:

Correct Answer: 4.9% (Cow) & 5.2% (Buffalo)

The average lactose content of cow milk is 4.9% and buffalo milk is 5.2%. Note that buffalo milk has slightly more lactose than cow milk, despite being generally described as richer in fat and protein.

Lactose Content of Different Animal Milks

• Cow milk: 4.9%
• Buffalo milk: 5.2%
• Goat milk: 4.7%
• Sheep milk: 4.3%
• Camel milk: 5.6% (highest)
• Sow milk: 3.4% (lowest)

Key Facts About Lactose

• Lactose is the least variable component of milk.
• It is present as a true solution in milk.
• Known as milk sugar — responsible for the mild sweetness of milk.
• Lactose and chloride together are primarily responsible for depressing the freezing point of milk.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• 5.2% & 4.9% → values are reversed (cow/buffalo swapped).
• 4.5% & 4.8% → not the correct values for either species.