Step 1: Concept Overview:
This question assesses understanding of buffalo milk's average composition, which includes water and total solids (TS). Total solids consist of fat, protein, lactose, and minerals. Water percentage is inversely proportional to total solids percentage.
Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
Buffalo milk is characterized by a higher total solids concentration compared to cow milk.
Typical buffalo milk composition:
Total Solids (TS): 16% - 18%
Fat: 6% - 8%
Solids-Not-Fat (SNF): 9% - 10%
Water percentage is calculated by subtracting the total solids percentage from 100%:
\[ \text{Water \%} = 100\% - \text{Total Solids \%} \]
Using an average TS of 16.5%:
\[ \text{Water \%} = 100\% - 16.5\% = 83.5\% \]
Evaluating the options:
86.5%: This is more representative of cow milk's water content.
84.2%: This corresponds to a total solids content of \(100 - 84.2 = 15.8\%\), a reasonable value for buffalo milk.
75.4%: This implies an unrealistically high total solids content of 24.6%.
86.6%: Similar to the first option, this is too high for buffalo milk.
Step 3: Conclusion:
The most accurate water percentage for buffalo milk among the given choices is 84.2%.