Journal or Publishing Institution: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
Study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1293761/
Author(s): Mepham, T.B.
Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study
Record ID: 1588
Text: The galactopoietic potency of bovine somatotrophin (bST; also known as growth hormone, bGH) has been known for over 50 years, but it is only since the 1980s that production of bST by recombinant DNA techniques has raised the prospect of its large scale use in dairying. Subcutaneous or intramuscular injections of approximately 30mg/day can increase milk yields of dairy cows by over 20%. For use in commercial practice, it is generally proposed to administer 500-600mg every 2 weeks. The four multinational companies producing bST have applied for product licenses which would allow its sale to farmers but, to date, neither in Europe nor in the United States of America has authorization been granted. Official pronouncements rejecting applications for product licenses for bST have cited queries over animal welfare, but they have also specifically dismissed any hazards to consumers resulting from consumption of milk and dairy products. Indeed, for several years, milk from cows treated with bST for trial purposes has been allowed to enter the commercial food chain. Despite these assurances, a number of informed critics have voiced concern over possible effects of bST on public health. The purpose of this paper is to subject to rigorous examination assertions as to the safety of bST use in dairying. The two categories of risk to public health from use of bST, to be discussed below are: (i) the health of consumers of milk and dairy products, and (ii) public health consequences of changes in consumption of milk and dairy products following licensing of bST. Other perceived risks, such as those associated with the production process, are discussed elsewhere.
Keywords: Public Health, Bovine Somatotrophin (bST), Dairy, Bovine Growth Hormone (bGH), Recombinant DNA, Dairy Cows, Animal Welfare, Consumer Hazards, Milk, Licensing, Consumer Health, Nutrients, Insulin
Citation: Mepham, T.B., 1992. Public health implications of bovine somatotropin use in dairying: discussion paper. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 85(12), p.736.
