Case Studies

BOVINE SOMATOTROPIN USE IN DAIRY COWS

Bovine somatotropin (BST) is a hormone produced by a cow that tells its body to produce milk. Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST) is a synthetic hormone that is biologically equivalent to BST, meaning the cow’s body treats and processes it the same as BST. Milk from cows given rBST has the same amount of nutrients and calories and the same level of hormones while cows receiving rBST produce about one more gallon of milk daily. Concerns about potential or perceived effects on human and animal health have lead some groups to call for companies to source only milk from cows not administered rBST. FDA has determined that rBST was proven safe for humans who consume the milk and meat from animals treated with it, and also that rBST did not cause adverse effects on the health and well-being of the treated cows. But what are the tradeoffs in deciding to reject use of rBST? Due to less milk produced per cow, producing the same amount of milk without rBST results in a larger carbon footprint, more water used, more land required and increased greenhouse gas emissions, which are in conflict with the most common environmental sustainability goals. It also results in less affordable milk, cheese and yogurt products as well as lower income for dairy farmers, which is in opposition to many social sustainability objectives. So how do you balance the perceived public health concerns or absence label marketing claims with negative impacts on environmental and social sustainability goals? Improving animal welfare, including of animals receiving rBST, as a sustainability priority can address this concern. Communicating the shared values of safe, nutritious food and factual information supporting the safety of rBST will acknowledge concerns while supporting placing a higher priority on the sustainability benefits of its use.

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