Injected Hormones From Cloned Cows Increase Milk Output
Researchers in Argentina have discovered a way to make cows produce more milk by injecting them with a synthetic bovine growth hormone, known as bovine somatotropin, produced by cloned and genetically modified dairy cows.
Synthetic bovine somatotropin, known as rbST, is already injected into cows to boost milk production, but the Argentine scientists say their method is less costly and produces a natural bovine hormone.
Andres Bercovich, chief of research and development for biotechnology firm Bio Sidus, said that if a cow would normally produce 5.3 gallons of milk per day, it could produce in excess of 6 gallons after being injected with the synthetic hormone.
"It’s going to be a cheaper method because it requires far less equipment and the only costs are what the animal needs," he said during an interview with Reuters.
Bio Sidus began cloning cows in 2002, and has developed animals capable of making human growth hormone and insulin in the milk. These hormones can then be extracted from the milk and used in much the same way as synthetic hormones produced in laboratories from genetically engineered bacteria.
Although the United States approved the sale of bovine somatotropin in 1993, it is prohibited in Australia, Japan, Canada and parts of Europe. Opponents argue it can have harmful effects on cows and humans. Additionally, there has been a recent public backlash against synthetic hormone by some food and dairy manufacturers in the United States.
Bio Sidus seeks to export the dairy hormone technology to the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Peru, but has not yet set a date. Argentina has not yet approved the company’s technology.
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