Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone

In this Essay I will discuss the effect, desired and undesired, of Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) on Humans and Cattle in the United States. I will be describing what rBGH is and what it does to the physiology of dairy cattle injected with it, health issues derived from rBGH and certain disorder caused by it which may effect consumers, the corporations involved in R&D and marketing of the drug followed up by a list of retailers abstaining from carrying rBGH enhanced dairy products.

What is rBGH?

 rBGH is an artificially created copy of a naturally occurring hormone in cows which is secreted during lactation.

 Is is also known as Bovine Somatotropin and marketed under the name Posilac.

 Prevents mammary cell death in dairy cows thus prolonging milk production.

 Forces cows to produce ten to twenty-five percent more milk than normal.

 There have been no long-term studies on the effects of humans.

 Stimulates the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1. A naturally occurring protein in both human and cow milk which promotes cellular growth for faster development in infants.

Ailments associated with rBGH usage in Cattle;

 Due to the strain of enhanced milk production, cows suffer a debilitated immune system making them more susceptible to infections.

 According to studies, promotes seventy-nine percent increase in mastitis and nineteen percent increase in somatic cell count in milk. (Mastitis is an infection of the udder which leads to elevated somatic cell count, somatic cell count being the presence of pus and bacteria in milk)

 Increased number of Hocks and Lesions of the knee and foot of cows. This directly correlates to immune deficiencies in cows. Lesions include lacerations, enlargements and calluses.

 Severe Reproductive issues. No specifics available but I can only assume this means miscarriages and an inability to inseminate.

 Digestive disorders.

 Cystic Ovaries

 And sometimes Death.

Issues Which Could Effect...