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

At what point in lactation do the manufacturers of Posilac® recommend giving the hormone? How does this relate to the concepts of lactogenesis and galactopoiesis?

Answer 2

• supplement lactating dairy cows every 14 days beginning at 50-70 days in milk until the end of lactation
• this wouldnt effect lactogenesis as this occurs at the beginning of lacttion, but it will support galactopoesis (maintenance of lactation) which occurs until the end of lactation

Question 3

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

Answer 3

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 4

is bST harmful to the cow

Answer 4

• 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 5

is milk produced from bST-treated cows harmful to humans

Answer 5

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