Bovine Growth Hormone in Milk
Unless the milk you drink and other dairy products you consume specifically say they are BGH-free or organic, they could contain recombinant bovine growth hormone, a genetically engineered compound. However, according to the American Cancer Society, a 2007 USDA survey found that less than 17 percent of cows were getting BGH injections. The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of BGH in November 1993, after studies were conducted that vouched for its safety, according to the American Cancer Society. However, Canada and the European Union, cognizant of growing health concerns, have disallowed use of the hormone since 1999.
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Significance
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Bovine growth hormone, or BGH, in its natural, unengineered state, is called bovine somatotropin. Monsanto engineered the hormone, labeling it Posilac, according to the Humane Farming Association. Cows receive regular injections that coax their bodies to produce roughly 30 percent more milk than they otherwise would, according to Monsanto.
Function
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In human beings, the pituitary gland produces growth hormone, which is responsible for the development of the body and the production of cells. Bovine growth hormone that is genetically produced in a lab carries the name synthetic or recombinant somatotropin. Bovine growth hormone, both the natural and engineered types, stimulate the production of milk by causing an uptick in a different hormone that is called insulin-like growth factor.
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BGH Health Issues
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The American Cancer Society reports two issues that have arisen regarding human health and BGH. The first is the idea that insulin-like growth factor has the potential to increase in the blood of people who consume dairy products containing BGH. The second proposes that people who consume BGH dairy products are likely to be exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria when BGH cows are treated for BGH-induced mastitis. Studies are inconclusive as to the potential harm insulin-like growth factor and antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose to humans.
Effects on Cows
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According to the Humane Farming Association, the FDA admits that BGH injections create ill health and the necessary administration of antibiotics in dairy cows. This state of affairs increases udder infections and the likelihood that milk from these cows will show signs of bacteria.
Considerations
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Dairy cows of the 1930s produced in excess of 10 lbs. of milk each day. That figure had increased to almost 40 lbs. by the late 1980s. Extrapolated out to today's BGH dairy herds, with Monsanto's 30 percent increase in milk production, more than 50 lbs. of milk is now generated per cow, says the Humane Farming Association. It is alleged that this culminates in many more veterinary problems that can be tied directly to milk overproduction.
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References
- Photo Credit Milk image by Travel India from Fotolia.com
