Artificial Growth Hormone, essentially is a synthetically generated ‘class of chemical’ that stimulates growth in living beings. Now, within many dairy industries all around the globe, an increased use of synthetic hormones in cattle has become a common phenomenon. So, the questions to be asked are, what exactly is an Artificial Growth Hormone, and what effect does it have on the cow’s milk? Here, is ‘Mmilk’ then presenting to you a few facts about a synthetic hormone, which will provide you with the answers to the questions asked above.
a. What are Artificial Growth Hormone?
The term ‘Hormone’ by definition means, ‘A member of a class of signalling molecules present in any multicellular organism which helps in the regulation of physiology and behaviour’. So, an Artificial Growth Hormone basically is an organic compound which regulates growth in an organism, and is prepared synthetically under laboratory conditions.
B. What Are The Types Of Artificial (Bovine) Growth Hormone Available?
Now, with regards to ‘Artificial Growth Hormone’ used in the dairy industry around the world, there is one major synthetic organic compound which is very popular. This Bovine growth (artificial) hormone is called ‘rBST’, which is also known as ‘rBGH’. It is prepared artificially in a laboratory by using the recombinant DNA technology (biotechnology) technique.
C. How Does rBGH affect Cows, And Where Is The Use Of rBGH Banned:
The use of an ‘Artificial Growth Hormone’ (rBGH) in cattles leads to an increase of about 10-15% in milk production. In terms of usage, rBGH is banned in Canada as well as in Europe. However, it was approved for use by the ‘United States Of America Food and Drug Administration’ in the year 1993.
D. How Does rBGH affect Cow’s Milk:
When used, the ‘Artificial Growth Hormone’ (i.e. rBGH) does not really have an adverse effect on Cow’s milk. This is because milk when extracted from a cow undergoes what is known as ‘Pasteurization’. It is this process which ensures that all natural and synthetic hormones (and antibiotics) found in milk, are killed. Secondly, in case a few artificial hormones survive ‘Pasteurization’, they are denied entry by the small intestines, thus preventing any adverse effects in the consumer.
It would therefore be apt to conclude that, Artificial Growth Hormone (rBGH) when used in cows only helps to increase milk production, and produces no side effects on the consumer.