What is rBGH in Dairy Products?
Summary
rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), also known as rBST, is a synthetic hormone used by dairy farmers in the U.S. to increase milk production in cows. While approved by the FDA, it is banned in the European Union, Canada, and many other countries. Its use is linked to several serious health and welfare problems in treated animals.
Key Takeaways
- rBGH and rBST are the same substance — a synthetic hormone that mimics the growth hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland
- Its primary commercial use is to boost milk production in lactating adult cows
- The FDA approves rBGH, but it is not permitted in the EU, Canada, and numerous other countries
- Monsanto was one of the companies that developed this product
- Cows treated with rBGH face a 50% increased risk of lameness — an abnormal gait, hoof problems, and difficulty walking
- Treated cows also have a 25% increased risk of mastitis (frequent udder infections), leading to greater antibiotic use on farms
- Additional animal health issues include infertility, ovarian cysts, and birth defects
- Choosing organic dairy is recommended to avoid rBGH and other synthetic hormones
Details
What is rBGH?
rBGH stands for recombinant bovine growth hormone. It is a synthetic version of a hormone that is naturally released in small quantities by the pituitary gland. In young calves, this hormone functions as a true growth hormone. However, when administered to adult lactating cows, its primary effect is to significantly increase milk output. This application is the reason dairy farmers use it commercially.
Regulatory Status
Despite FDA approval in the United States, rBGH has been banned in many parts of the world, including the European Union and Canada. This regulatory divide reflects ongoing concern about the hormone’s effects on animal health and potential downstream effects on consumers.
Animal Health Risks
The use of rBGH in dairy cows is associated with several well-documented problems:
- Lameness (50% increased risk): Treated cows develop abnormal gait and stance, along with hoof deterioration and difficulty walking.
- Mastitis (25% increased risk): Mastitis is a frequent bacterial infection of the udder. Because of this elevated infection risk, farmers treating cows with rBGH often need to administer more antibiotics, which raises broader concerns about antibiotic resistance.
- Reproductive issues: Treated cows can experience infertility, ovarian cysts, and birth defects.
Practical Recommendation
To avoid rBGH exposure through dairy consumption, the recommendation is to choose certified organic dairy products. Organic certification ensures that rBGH and other synthetic hormones have not been used, providing a cleaner baseline for the dairy you consume.