What percentage of lactose is found in cow's milk?

Cow's milk typically contains about 4.7% lactose, which is approximately 5%. This percentage can vary slightly based on numerous factors like breed, diet, and individual cow variations, but generally, it falls within this range. Lactose is the sugar present in milk and is an important energy source, providing a sweet flavor profile. Understanding lactose content is essential for dairy scientists, producers, and consumers, especially those with lactose intolerance. This percentage also plays a critical role in the processing and production of dairy products, influencing fermentation processes in cheese making and yogurt production.