Advances in dairy Research
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The Safety and Regulation of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin in the Food Industry

San Arrie^{* *}Correspondence: San Arrie, Department of Dairy Research, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, Email:

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Description

Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST) is a genetically engineered hormone that is used in the dairy industry to increase milk production in cows. This hormone has been the subject of much controversy, with some people arguing that its use is unethical and unsafe for both animals and humans. In this commentary, the benefits and drawbacks of using rBST in the dairy industry are discussed. Firstly, the use of rBST can have economic benefits for dairy farmers. This hormone has been shown to increase milk production in cows by up to 20%, which can result in higher profits for farmers. Additionally, the increased milk production can help to meet the demand for dairy products in the market. This is especially important given that the world population is growing and there is a greater demand for food.

However, there are concerns about the use of rBST on animal welfare. Some studies have shown that rBST can cause health problems in cows, such as increased risk of mastitis, lameness, and reproductive issues. In addition, the increased milk production can cause the cows to experience stress and exhaustion, which can negatively impact their overall well-being.

Moreover, the use of rBST has been associated with environmental concerns. The increased milk production can lead to increased waste production, which can have negative impacts on the environment. Additionally, the use of rBST can lead to the overuse of antibiotics, which can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Another issue with the use of rBST is the potential health risks to humans who consume dairy products from cows treated with rBST. While the FDA has stated that milk from rBST-treated cows is safe for human consumption, there are concerns about the potential long-term health effects of consuming milk that has been treated with rBST. Some studies have suggested that rBST-treated milk may contain higher levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer. In addition to the potential health risks, there are also ethical concerns about the use of rBST in the dairy industry.

Some people argue that the use of rBST is a form of animal exploitation, as it forces cows to produce more milk than they would naturally. This can result in the cows experiencing stress and exhaustion, which some consider to be cruel and inhumane. In Canada, recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is prohibited. In 1999, Health Canada decided against approving it because of issues about how it may affect animal health. The welfare of the livestock is extremely important to Canadian dairy farmers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of rBST in the dairy industry is a complex issue that has both benefits and drawbacks. While it can increase milk production and provide economic benefits for dairy farmers, it can also have negative impacts on animal welfare and the environment, as well as potential health risks for humans who consume dairy products from rBST-treated cows. Ultimately, the decision to use rBST in the dairy industry should be based on a thorough assessment of the risks and benefits, taking into account the ethical and environmental concerns associated with its use.