Use of cow hormones sparks health concerns

By REBECCA ZEIBER
Collegian Staff Writer

Accolades have poured in for recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST) and its agricultural advances during the past few years. However, many groups and individuals have expressed concern about the welfare of rBST-treated cows and those who drink their milk.

Matt Ruscigno (junior-nutrition) is among those who disagree with the use of rBST.

"It's not just an animal issue, it's much broader," he said.

Ruscigno referred to a report from the Humane Farming Association to justify his point of view. He said rBST injections have adverse effects on cows and present a health hazard for humans.

"It's something you wouldn't find out from the dairy council," Ruscigno said.

The fear of cancer has made many afraid to drink milk. Daniel Deaver, professor of reproductive physiology with a background in endocrinology, said when cows are treated with rBST, it increases the production of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1).

IGF-1 is naturally occurring in humans as well as cows, Deaver said. It is the reason why breast milk is better for babies than formulas. One cupful of our saliva would contain the same amount of IGF-1 as 100 quarts of milk, he said. It is much more beneficial than it is harmful.

Those opposed to the use of rBST assert IGF-1 behaves as a cancer accelerator in noninfant humans.

"Any growth factor has potential to stimulate cell proliferation," Deaver said.

However, before anyone decides never to consume rBST-treated milk, he said to keep in mind humans have much higher concentrations of IGF-1 naturally occurring in their bodies than they could ever consume in milk.

Ruscigno said he also believes rBST affects the body of the cow by causing more Mastitis (udder infections) and tissue damage from the injections. Deaver disagrees, saying there is no evidence of an increase in Mastitis with rBST-treated cows. Also, if the injections are administered properly, he said there won't be any tissue damage.

Abraham Harpster of Evergreen Farms in Huntington County said he has been using rBST since it was approved for market sales and has had no cows experience any obvious adverse effects from the protein hormone.

"You have to look at the larger picture; you have to look at many studies," Deaver said.

He added relying on one set of experimental data, whether it's in favor for or against the use of rBST, can be hazardous.

Lester Griel, professor of veterinary science, said the amino acid sequence of rBST is identical to the BST naturally produced in the cow's pituitary gland. Human bodies cannot tell the difference between the two.

Even so, many people are still wary of drinking milk. Deaver, also a father, said, "If I thought it was dangerous, I wouldn't let (my children) consume it."

• Local farmers use rBST to increase production of milk from cow herds