Why do some dairy farmers refuse to use recombinant BST?

However, its use is prohibited in most of Europe for reasons of consumer preference, animal well-being, and skepticism of new technology. Farmers who opt to use the synthetic hormone do so because they believe it increases milk production without other inputs.

What are the advantages to a farmer of treating cattle with BST?

Feed efficiency (pounds of milk produced per pound of feed consumed) is improved because more milk is produced and the proportion of feed used for body maintenance is decreased. The actual amount of feed consumed by bST-treated cows increases, helping the cow meet the increased nutrient demands.

Why is there concern about the hormone BST?

Apportioning blame. In its investigation, the FDA studied eight of Monsanto’s trials and concluded that BST does cause an increased incidence of mastitis. Over a normal period of lactation of about 305 days, the FDA says that BST would cause “16 to 18” extra cases of mastitis in a herd of 100 cows.

What are the side effects of rBST?

Ultimately, the studies on the effects of rbST, taken together, are not fully conclusive, but might support that rbST growth hormone may be deleterious to human health by potentially increasing risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

Is there an effect on the cattle that are treated with rBST?

There were a number of effects on reproductive performance that were associated with the use of rBST. These included a substantial increase in the risk of non-pregnancy and a slight increase in days open in cows that do conceive. There was also inconclusive evidence of an increased risk of cystic ovaries and twinning.

How does rBST affect cows?

According to an EU report, rBST substantially increased health problems in cows, such as mastitis, foot problems, injection site reactions, and reproductive disorders. In several counties, rBST is not approved for use.

What are the disadvantages of using BST?

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Why are cows injected with rBST?

Recombinant somatotropin, rBST (previously called bovine growth hormone), is a genetically engineered hormone injected into dairy cows to increase milk production. Milk from rBST-treated cows is used in dairy products including ice cream, butter, cheese and yogurt.

How does bST affect the cows?

Recombinant bovine somatotropin Bovine somatotropin (BST) is a protein hormone produced in the pituitary gland and has been shown to increase the milk yield in lactating cows by preventing mammary cell death in dairy cattle.

Is rBST harmful to humans?

The FDA has not changed its 1993 position that rBST is not harmful to humans. For example, FDA documents from 1995, 1999, and 2003 have continued to affirm its initial position that the product is safe for human consumption.

What does it mean cows not treated with rBST?

Variations: “No rBGH administered,” “No rBST administered”The labeling claim means that dairy cows were not injected with a genetically engineered growth hormone that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1993 for use in dairy cows.

Why are cows treated with rBST?