Use Of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin Research Articles

The Influence of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rbST) on the Metabolic Profile and Milk Composition of Lactating Murrah Buffalo.

The use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) leads to an increase in variable amounts of milk production in buffalo, but there is a lack of information on the influence of rbST on their metabolism. This study looked at the effects of a single 500 mg dose of rbST on the lipid profile, liver and kidney function, and physical, chemical, and cellular constitution of milk in 14 buffalo over 14 days, from the 100th day of lactation, compared with 14 animals in a control group. From the first day after rbST, there was a rise in beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-HBO), possibly due to higher dry matter intake or the biotransformation of NEFA into β-HBO. The treatment did not influence blood glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, AST, GGT, bilirubin, urea, or creatinine levels. In 71.3% of the buffalo, there was a gradual increase in milk production, with the maximal response occurring in the first week followed by a gradual decrease, whilst in 21.4%, the increase in production occurred between 7 and 10 days. Only 7.1% of the animals did not respond. On the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 10th days after treatment, an increase was found in daily milk production between the two groups equal to 1.04, 1.52, 1.42, and 1.06 L, respectively. In relative terms, this means an increase in milk production, respectively, of 15.1%, 21.0%, 19.8%, and 15.1%. The constitution of the milk showed no difference in the amounts of fat, lactose, total solids, or somatic cell count; however, on the third day after rbST administration, there was a decrease in protein. Notably, from the fifth day, the protein values showed no statistical difference. It can be concluded that the use of rbST in buffalo from the 100th day of lactation is metabolically safe since the treatment neither caused imbalances in fat metabolism nor overloaded the liver or renal function, and the changes in milk composition were transient and limited to a decrease in milk protein.

Tracing recombinant bovine somatotropin ab(use) through transcriptomics: the potential of bovine somatic cells in a multi-dose longitudinal study

In the European Union, the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy cattle is forbidden. Monitoring rbST (ab)use by its direct detection in animal matrices still remains a challenging task. New monitoring methods based on indirect detection of the substance are necessary. A new transcriptomic system based on the use of high-throughput real-time PCR in combination with somatic cells was developed to control rbST administration in dairy animals. A total of nine cows, separated into control and rbST-treated groups, were included in the study. A subcutaneous injection containing 500 mg of rbST was administered to the treated group every 14 days, up to a total of 12 doses. Milk somatic cells (MSCs) were sampled from each animal at different time points throughout 8 months of study. It was possible to obtain the transcriptomic profile of 18 genes in MSCs of rbST-treated and control groups, and using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis control and treated animals were discriminated. The transcription of CCND1, IGF-1R, TNF and IL-1β genes resulted strongly influenced by rbST treatment. The combination of MSCs, transcriptomic tools and statistical analysis has allowed the selection of four genes as potential biomarkers that could be used in a transcriptomic panel for monitoring rbST administration in cows.

Tracing Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin Ab(Use) Through Gene Expression in Blood, Hair Follicles, and Milk Somatic Cells: A Matrix Comparison.

The use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy cattle is forbidden in the European Union. Due to the very low circulating concentration of rbST in treated animals, its direct detection is still a challenge. Therefore, the use of indirect methods to detect the ab(use) of rbST in dairy cattle appears as a good alternative. In the past few years, gene expression demonstrated its utility in screening the use of illicit substances in both humans and animals. In this study, a comparison of three types of matrices (milk somatic cells, blood, and hair follicles) was carried out to evaluate their potential use for routine control of rbST using 15 gene-expression profiles. A total of six rbST-treated cows and three control cows were included in the study. A subcutaneous injection containing 500 mg of rbST was administered to the treated group. Samples of the three matrices were collected before rbST administration, and at three and nine days after treatment. The quality of RNA extracted was higher in the blood and hair-follicle samples than in the milk somatic cells. In the three matrices, there were significant differences in the expression of some genes, with milk somatic cells and blood presenting the the best matrices. On this note, the cyclin D1 (CCND1), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) genes showed potential as biomarkers of rbST treatment. Therefore, blood, somatic cells, and follicle hair should be considered as promising sources of RNA, and can be used in gene-expression assays to routinely control the illicit use of rbST.

The effectiveness and the consequences of the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin

Growth hormone (also known as somatotropin) plays a dominant role on the development and metabolism of mammalians. Since the early 1950's it has been known that the administration of somatotropin in milk productive animals leads to an increase in milk yield. Nevertheless, its high cost of manufacture didn't allow the massive application, until recently. Genetic engineering achieved the production of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) and therefore has permitted the commercial use. Numerous of publications confirm a 10-30% increase in dairy cattle milk yield after bST administration. The mechanism of action of bST involves a series of orchestrated changes in the metabolism of body tissues so that more nutrients can be used for milk synthesis. Long-term bST administration has no effects on animal welfare. The reproductive system od bST treated cows seems to be prone to disorders. These disorders have been found to be insignificant. Advanced quality of management is necessary to accomplish maximum bST response in dairy cattle. BST is homologous to that of sheep and therefore can be successfully used in ewes as well. Due to the large number of dairy ewes in Greece, this is of great importance to Greek animal industry.

Public and farmer perceptions of dairy cattle welfare in the United States

This research used surveys of the public and dairy farmers in the United States to assess perceptions and attitudes related to dairy cattle welfare. Sixty-three percent of public respondents indicated that they were concerned about dairy cattle welfare. Most public respondents agreed that animal welfare was more important than low milk prices but that the average American did not necessarily agree. Most public respondents had not viewed media stories related to dairy cattle welfare. Respondents who had viewed these stories did so on television or Internet. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was viewed as the most accurate source of information related to dairy cattle welfare, followed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA). Both public and dairy farmer respondents viewed farmers as having the most influence on dairy cattle welfare. However, there was a general pattern of public respondents indicating that groups including USDA, HSUS, and AVMA had a relatively larger influence on dairy cattle welfare than did farmer respondents. In contrast, dairy farmers indicated that individual actors—farmers, veterinarians, consumers—had more influence than the public indicated. When asked about production practices, most public respondents indicated that they would vote for a ban on antibiotic use outside of disease treatment or for the mandated use of pain control in castration. However, a minority indicated they would vote to ban the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) or to pay a premium for milk produced without rbST. With respect to explaining public support for the production practice bans and limits, respondents were more likely to vote for the restrictions if they were older, female, had higher income, or had viewed animal welfare stories in the media.

Update on human health concerns of recombinant bovine somatotropin use in dairy cows

The 20 yr of commercial use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in the United States provide the backdrop for reviewing the outcome of use on human health issues by the upcoming 78th meeting of the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives. These results and further advancements in scientific knowledge indicate there are no new human health issues related to the use of rbST by the dairy industry. Use of rbST has no effect on the micro- and macrocomposition of milk. Also, no evidence exists that rbST use has increased human exposure to antibiotic residues in milk. Concerns that IGF-I present in milk could have biological effects on humans have been allayed by studies showing that oral consumption of IGF-I by humans has little or no biological activity. Additionally, concentrations of IGF-I in digestive tract fluids of humans far exceed any IGF-I consumed when drinking milk. Furthermore, chronic supplementation of cows with rbST does not increase concentrations of milk IGF-I outside the range typically observed for effects of farm, parity, or stage of lactation. Use of rbST has not affected expression of retroviruses in cattle or posed an increased risk to human health from retroviruses in cattle. Furthermore, risk for development of type 1 or type 2 diabetes has not increased in children or adults consuming milk and dairy products from rbST-supplemented cows. Overall, milk and dairy products provide essential nutrients and related benefits in health maintenance and the prevention of chronic diseases.

A comparison of the environmental impact of Jersey compared with Holstein milk for cheese production

The objective of this study was to compare the environmental impact of Jersey or Holstein milk production sufficient to yield 500,000 t of cheese (equivalent cheese yield) both with and without recombinant bovine somatotropin use. The deterministic model used 2009 DairyMetrics (Dairy Records Management Systems, Raleigh, NC) population data for milk yield and composition (Jersey: 20.9kg/d, 4.8% fat, 3.7% protein; Holstein: 29.1kg/d, 3.8% fat, 3.1% protein), age at first calving, calving interval, and culling rate. Each population contained lactating and dry cows, bulls, and herd replacements for which rations were formulated according to DairyPro (Agricultural Modeling and Training Systems, Cornell, Ithaca, NY) at breed-appropriate body weights (BW), with mature cows weighing 454kg (Jersey) or 680kg (Holstein). Resource inputs included feedstuffs, water, land, fertilizers, and fossil fuels. Waste outputs included manure and greenhouse gas emissions. Cheese yield (kg) was calculated according to the Van Slyke equation. A yield of 500,000 t of cheese required 4.94 billionkg of Holstein milk compared with 3.99 billionkg of Jersey milk—a direct consequence of differences in milk nutrient density (fat and protein contents) between the 2 populations. The reduced daily milk yield of Jersey cows increased the population size required to supply sufficient milk for the required cheese yield, but the differential in BW between the Jersey and Holstein breeds reduced the body mass of the Jersey population by 125×103 t. Consequently, the population energy requirement was reduced by 7,177×106MJ, water use by 252×109 L, and cropland use by 97.5×103 ha per 500,000 t of cheese yield. Nitrogen and phosphorus excretion were reduced by 17,234 and 1,492 t, respectively, through the use of Jersey milk to yield 500,000 t of Cheddar cheese. The carbon footprint was reduced by 1,662×103 t of CO2-equivalents per 500,000 t of cheese in Jersey cows compared with Holsteins. Use of recombinant bovine somatotropin reduced resource use and waste output in supplemented populations, with decreases in carbon footprint equivalent to 10.0% (Jersey) and 7.5% (Holstein) compared with nonsupplemented populations. The interaction between milk nutrient density and BW demonstrated by the Jersey population overcame the reduced daily milk yield, thus reducing resource use and environmental impact. This reduction was achieved through 2 mechanisms: diluting population maintenance overhead through improved milk nutrient density and reducing maintenance overhead through a reduction in productive and nonproductive body mass within the population.

Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin and a shortened or no dry period on the performance of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of altering dry period length in multiparous dairy cows (n=341) on milk production for a full lactation (294 d). The study used 3 commercial herds in the western United States. Cows producing greater than 8,400kg of mature-equivalent milk were assigned to treatments 60 d before their due dates. The 4 treatments were 1) 60-d dry period, label use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST; 60d-L); 2) 32-d dry period, label use of rbST (32d-L); 3) 0-d dry period, label use of rbST (0d-L); and 4) 0-d dry period, continuous use of rbST (0d-C). Cows with shortened dry periods produced 625, 1,000, and 1,042kg of milk during the prepartum period for treatments 2 to 4, respectively. During the postpartum period, cows on the 32d-L treatment produced similar amounts of milk compared with the 60d-L treatment (11,490 vs. 11,968kg, respectively). However, cows on the 0d-L (10,316kg) and 0d-C (10,195kg) treatments produced significantly lower amounts of milk during the postpartum period compared with the 60d-L treatment. Total milk production from the prepartum and postpartum periods was not altered significantly and was 11,974, 12,112, 11,310, and 11,230kg for treatments 1 to 4, respectively. The concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified fatty acids in serum after calving were decreased for cows on the 32d-L, 0d-L, and 0d-C treatments compared with cows on the 60d-L treatment, which may indicate improved metabolic status.

The effect of rbst (Boostin-s) on some blood metabolic factors and some metabolic disorders in dairy cow

The use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbst) in dairy cattle industry is a common practice in many countries. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of rbst on blood metabolic parameters (glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), hydroxy-butyrate (BHB), albumin, BUN, Ca, P, ) in primiparous and multiparous Holstein dairy cows. Twenty cows were treated S.C with 500 mg of rbst at 14-d intervals from 6 till 18 weeks postparum. Results showed that treatment with rbst did not affect blood parameters and the only significant effect (p 0.05) was reduction in body condition score at the end of the treatment period. In conclusion, rbst administration did not alter the incidence of metabolic disorders (clinical and sub-clinical). It appeared that rbst treatment does not affect the energy balance status in dairy cows as used in this study.

Welfare effects of the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin in the USA

The welfare effects of increased milk production associated with the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) on dairy operations in the USA were examined for 1996. Results that derived from three different estimates of the milk-production response to rBST were evaluated and compared. One estimate, derived from a survey of dairy producers in Connecticut, led to economic-impact estimates that were not statistically significant. A second, derived from a national survey that concentrated on the health and management of dairy cattle, led to estimates that were unbelievably high. A third, derived from a national survey that concentrated on the economics of dairy producers, provided the most reasonable estimates of economic impacts. Results of economic analysis, using the latter results, indicated that if rBST had not caused milk production to increase, then the market price of milk would have been 2.2 +/- 1.5 cents/kg higher, and the total value of the milk produced would have risen from Dollars 23.0 +/- 0.6 billion to Dollars 24.1 +/- 1.0 billion. A welfare analysis demonstrated that the increased milk production (and the reduced market price) associated with the use of rBST in the USA caused the economic surplus of consumers to rise by Dollars 1.5 +/- 1.0 billion, while the economic surplus of dairy producers fell by Dollars 1.1 +/- Dollars 0.8 billion. Increased milk production associated with rBST yielded a total gain to the US economy of Dollars 440 +/- 280 million. An analysis of annual percent changes in the number of dairy cows per operation, milk production per cow, total milk production, total number of dairy cows, and total number of dairy operations in the USA suggested that the dairy industry's long-term economic growth path was stable from 1989-2001 inclusive, and did not receive a shock resulting from the introduction of rBST.

Legislative and Legal Restrictions on Labeling Information Regarding the Use of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin

With the issuance of the “Interim Guidance on the Voluntary Labeling of Milk and Milk Products from Cows That Have Not Been Treated with Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin” by the FDA in February 1994, the Monsanto Company, Inc. (St.Louis, MO) commenced the commercial sale of Posilac®. Because of farmer and consumer concerns, marketing organizations, state administrative agencies, and state legislatures responded with various voluntary and mandatory regulations and rules for labeling milk and milk products with information regarding the use of recombinant bST. A regulatory labeling framework that varies from state to state has caused problems for some marketing organizations. Individuals and organizations may now turn to the judicial arena as an avenue to challenge unfavorable developments.

The Role of Information in Technology Adoption: The Case of rbST in the California Dairy Industry

Bovine somatotropin, a naturally-occurring hormone that enhances milk production in cows, can now be produced in large quantities using recombinant DNA technologies. Recent research suggests that the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) could increase milk production an average of 12 percent per cow Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). Production could increase more or less depending on dairy management practices. In November of 1993, after reviewing rbST for more than nine years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for commercial use. This article analyzes, both analytically and empirically, producers' rbST adoption decisions in the preFDA-approval phase.

The influence of a prolonged release formulation of bovine somatotropin (USAN sometribove) on milk production and the concentration of bovine somatotropin (bST) and insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I) in serum and milk of Malaysian Sahiwal × Friesian cows : A.R. Azizan 1, R.H. Phipps 2, I.A. Forsyth 3, D.L. Hard 4, W.E. Wan Hassan 2 and J.A. Taylor 2. 1Malaysian Agricultural Research

This chapter elaborates the biochemical responses to the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (sometribove) in dairy cattle in relation to production and welfare. Recombinant bovine somatotropin injected into dairy cows results in increases in milk production. This study assessed some of the biochemical consequences and their welfare implications. Twenty two cows and 16 first lactation heifers were paired, with one of each pair injected at 80 days after calving with sometribove in prolonged release formulation or placebo. Significantly higher beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and inorganic phosphate levels in blood and lower urea I were found in treated animals on average. There were no other practical or significant differences in the biochemical measurements except, midway between treatments, urea N dropped in cows, and BHB levels rose in heifers. Biochemical measurements fell within acceptable ranges suggesting no unusual or unreasonable production stress nor any welfare concern in animals treated at 80 days after calving. Differences in urea N suggest better protein utilization in treated animals. Higher inorganic phosphate implies some alteration in mineral metabolism.

Use of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin for up to Two Consecutive Lactations on Dairy Production Traits

Fifteen (control) cows were injected with saline; 28 cows were treated with rbST (15 with 10.3 and 13 with 20.6mg/d). Fourteen of the 28 treated cows had between injected with rbST in the previous lactation. A total of 29 cows in the present trial had not received rbST in previous lactation. Treatment injections were started between wk 4 and 5 of lactation and continued for 266 consecutive days. Milk production, feed intake and efficiency, and BW data were recorded for 3 wk before and 3 wk after a 38-wk rbST treatment period.Administration of rbST increased average FCM yields in the current lactation by 19%, increased feed energy intake by 7%, and decreased feed conversion (energy intake per unit FCM output) by 17%. Previous treatment with rbST did not significantly affect current milk production but caused a nonsignificant increase in feed intake and a significant, unfavorable, increase in feed conversion of 12%.The results suggest that the advantages of rbST in terms of increased milk yield are maintained for a second consecutive lactation of rbST administration. However, the advantages of rbST in terms of improved feed conversion may be substantially reduced in a second consecutive lactation of administration.

Economics of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin Use in Individual Dairy Herds

DairyORACLE, a computer simulation model of a dairy enterprise, was used to simulate the productivity of nine commercial herds following the hypothetical adoption of routine use of recombinant bovine somatotropin. Data, including performance indicators, management goals, and demographic information were collected from each herd, and simulation exercises performed to assess the likely economic impact of somatotropin use in each case.Existing mathematical expressions for lactation and DM intake used in the model were adjusted to reflect production characteristics of cows treated with somatotropin. Comparison of model output for each herd with and without somatotropin use provided a means for quantifying changes in milk production and feed utilization attributable to somatotropin.Point estimates for percentage increase in annual herd milk sales varied between 8.5 and 17.6% (10.3mg/d) and 17.0 and 32.0% (20.6mg/d). Corresponding point estimates for increase in whole farm forage consumption were .6 to 10.5% (10.3mg/ d), and 3.1 to 20.8% (20.6mg/d). Depending on parity, production, and dose, grain requirements were estimated to increase by 10.2 to 39.0%. Using a net price of $23.10/100kg for milk sold, estimates for the break-even cost per dose ranged between $.27 and $.64 (10.3mg/d) and $.61 and $1.12 (20.6mg/d). A sensitivity analysis was performed to provide estimates of break-even cost per dose for net milk prices ranging between $16.50 and $27.50/100kg.