Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fresh bovine milk physicochemical standards: natural amphoteric buffering by caseins and inorganic phosphates maintains a slightly acidic pH.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Normal Fresh Cow Milk pH} = 6.6 - 6.8 \quad (\text{Mean } \approx 6.65) \]
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Physicochemical properties of fresh bovine milk:
- Normal fresh bovine milk is slightly acidic, with a standard physiological pH range of 6.6 to 6.8 (at $20^\circ\text{C}$).
- Milk pH drops below $6.5$ due to bacterial lactic acid fermentation (souring/spoilage).
- Milk pH rises above $6.8 - 7.4$ (alkaline shift) during clinical or subclinical mastitis due to increased vascular permeability allowing blood serum bicarbonate and sodium to flood the mammary gland.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the pH range of normal cow milk is 6.6 - 6.8, corresponding to option (A).