What is recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH)?
Recombinant bovine growth hormone (also known as rBGH or rBST) is a genetically engineered drug called POSILAC® created by the Monsanto Corporation. On August 20, 2008, Monsanto sold POSILAC and its sole production plant in Augusta, Georgia to Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly's Elanco division for $300 million
POSILAC is injected into dairy cows to induce them to increase milk production, typically by 5-15%. It’s estimated that 15-20% of the cows in the United States are injected with this hormone. It was approved by the FDA in 1993.
Why should we be concerned about this drug?
The Humane Society of the U.S., Humane Farming Association, Farm Sanctuary and Animal Protection Institute all oppose the use of rBGH.
POSILAC is injected into dairy cows to induce them to increase milk production, typically by 5-15%. It’s estimated that 15-20% of the cows in the United States are injected with this hormone. It was approved by the FDA in 1993.
Why should we be concerned about this drug?
- Increased cancer risk
When rBGH is injected into a cow, it elevates levels of another powerful growth hormone, IGF-1, which is present in both cows and humans. IGF-1 is a necessary hormone, but in excessive amounts, it has been linked in hundreds of studies to an increase in breast, prostate, colon, lung and other cancers in humans. Numerous scientific data suggest IGF-1 in milk survives human digestion and enters the bloodstream in sufficient quantities to potentially trigger increased cancer rates. - Antibiotic resistance
Cows given rBGH experience statistically higher rates of mastitis, a painful udder infection. It is treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin and erythromycin, which are also used to treat infections in people. Bacteria resistant to these antibiotics end up in the milk, air, soil and water, resulting in increased antibiotic resistance in humans, a major health problem. - Harm to cows
In addition to mastitis, rBGH has been demonstrated to increase the incidence of 15 different harmful effects to cows’ health, including birth disorders, increased pus in milk, hoof problems, heat stress, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
The Humane Society of the U.S., Humane Farming Association, Farm Sanctuary and Animal Protection Institute all oppose the use of rBGH.