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Bovine Somatotropin

Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Bovine Somatotropin is a veterinary drug — Recombinant protein hormone to improve dairy cow milk production efficiency by 5-10%

Also: BST, Bovine Growth Hormone, BGH

What it does

Recombinant protein hormone to improve dairy cow milk production efficiency by 5-10%

Where you'll see it

Dairy cow milk

What the research says

Increases inflammation of udder in cows; has unknown potential effects on humans. Consumer groups, scientists, small farmers, and dairy product producers are against the use.

Regulatory status

  • EU: banned
  • Notes: Introduced 1994; EU bans growth hormones for cattle/poultry; US permits

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): it increases inflammation of the udder in cows, has unknown potential effects on humans, and is unnecessary