Bovine somatotropin

Bovine somatotropin (also known as BST or bST) is a protein hormone produced in the pituitary glands of cattle. It is involved in the regulation of growth and development in cows, particularly in the production of milk.

Production and Use

BST is produced synthetically through recombinant DNA technology and is used in the dairy industry to increase milk production in cows. The use of BST in dairy cows can increase milk production by 10-15%. The hormone is administered to cows through injections, typically every two weeks.

Controversy

The use of BST in dairy production has been a subject of controversy. Critics argue that the use of BST can lead to health problems in cows, including an increased risk of mastitis, a painful infection of the udder. There are also concerns about the potential impact on human health, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that milk from BST-treated cows is safe for human consumption.

Regulation

In the United States, the FDA approved the use of BST in 1993. However, the use of BST is banned in many other countries, including the European Union and Canada, due to animal welfare concerns.

See Also

• Milk production
• Recombinant DNA
• Food and Drug Administration

References

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  Holstein dairy cows
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  Somatotropine