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BST (Bovine Growth Hormone) Frequently Asked Questions
What is BST?
Bovine somatotropin (BST) also known as bovine
growth hormone or BGH, is a protein hormone produced naturally in
cows. It helps young calves grow and adult cows produce milk. Recombinant
BST or rBST is physiologically the same as naturally occurring BST.
It can be used to supplement a cow's natural BST.
Why give cows more BST?
Cows differ slightly in the amount of BST they
produce naturally. Providing supplements helps some cows produce
milk more efficiently. Having BST available gives farmers another
choice in managing their dairy cows.
Will there be more BST in the milk?
No. All cows produce BST naturally and all milk
contains BST. The amount of BST in milk is the same from cows receiving
BST as those who do not.
Does BST affect people?
No. BST is a protein. When consumed, it is digested
just like other proteins. Even if it were accidentally injected
into a person, it would have no effect. BST is only active in the
blood stream of cattle.
Does consuming milk from BST supplemented cows increase
the risk of developing allergies?
No. The milk is the same as milk from non-BST
supplemented cows. People not allergic to milk products now will
not be allergic to milk products from BST supplemented cows.
Is milk from BST supplemented cows safe for children?
Yes. It is no different from milk from non-supplemented
cows. The nutritional value and wholesomeness of the milk are also
unchanged.
Does using BST make the cow ill, and will there be
antibiotic residues in the milk?
Cows that are high milk producers, whether by
genetic selection or BST supplements, have slightly increased incidence
of mastitis, a common infection of the cow's udder. This infection
can be treated by antibiotics. Milk from antibiotic treated cows
cannot be sold. Federal and state regulations require all raw milk
be tested for drug residues. If raw milk contains illegal levels
of antibiotic residues, it can not be used for human food. Farmers
shipping milk containing illegal levels of antibiotic residues are
penalized.
Will taxpayers have to pay for any surplus milk produced
because of the use of BST?
No. The government buys dairy products (cheese,
butter, and powdered milk) for school lunch programs, to maintain
a food reserve, and for other reasons. Dairy producers are required
to purchase any surplus once a pre-determined level of reserve has
been reached.
Will BST put small family farmers out of business?
BST can be used by farmers with large or small
dairies. Like the automatic milking machine and other contemporary
tools, BST increases production efficiency, and as with other innovations,
those adept at management will benefit, irrespective of the size
of farm.
If society values smaller dairy farms, other
mechanisms of support may need to be explored. The current minimum
price support system for raw milk already provides some protection
for small family operations.
Does use of BST only benefit the farmer?
BST can have environmental and consumer benefits.
Since fewer cows can produce the BST can significantly reduce the
tonnage of manure from dairy cows. Cows with supplemental BST consume
less feed per gallon of milk produced. Since BST increases production
efficiency it may help maintain lower consumer prices. The Consumer
Price Index for the dairy products rose since 1988 due, in part,
to a shortage of dairy ingredients. Increasing the milk supply may
reduce future price increases.
Why isn't milk from BST supplemented cows labeled?
There is no health or safety risk to humans
and no difference in milk from cows supplemented with BST and those
not supplemented. Therefore, labeling provides no benefit or protection
to consumers; however , label enforcement would be costly and extremely
difficult. There is no practical way to tell the difference between
naturally occurring BST and supplemented BST. Furthermore, it is
estimated that initially fewer than 10 percent of cows will be supplemented.
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