endocrine growth promoters in international agriculture SDL

Question 1

what is bovine somatotropin

Answer 1

growth hormone administered to diary cows to increase milk production

Question 2

will the use of bST increase the risk of a cow ending up in negative energy balance

Answer 2

use of bST increases the need for more nutrients, therefore the cow is more likely to end up in a negative energy balance leading to IR and eventually ketosis

Question 3

is bST harmful to the cow

Answer 3

• increased mastitis risk
• increased risk of laminitis
• risk of udder oedema if treatment started later in lactation than recommended
• negative effects to future pregnancy and fertility

Question 4

is milk produced from bST-treated cows harmful to humans

Answer 4

• no milk discard or slaughter withdrawal period, implying no risk to humans