Bovine growth hormone (somatotropin)

Several U.S. companies plan to introduce a new product to the dairy industry called bovine growth hormone (bGH), or bovine somatotropin (BST). When injected into dairy cows in test herds, this product has stimulated large increases in milk output without corresponding increases in production costs. However, BST, which must gain Food and Drug Administration approval before it can be offered commercially, has raised a number of controversial questions among lawmakers, who are concerned about its impact on an already burdensome U.S. milk supply, on the structure and conduct of dairy farming, and on consumer safety, among other things.,Abstract -- Introduction. Overview ; What is Bovine Somatotropin -- Implications for Agriculture. The U.S. Dairy Surplus ; Future Milk Supply ; BST: How Much Milk and How Soon? ; Implications for Federal Price Support Policy ; Practical Application and Cost ; Will BST Hurt Small Farmers? ; The U.S. Dairy Industry at a Crossroads -- Regulation of Bovine Somatotropin. Introduction ; Regulatory Status of BST ; Environmental Issues ; FDA's Consideration of Environmental Issues ; Efficacy and Animal Health Issues -- Some Consideration for Technology Development -- Questions for Further Study,Geoffrey S. Becker, Specialist, Enevironment and Natural Resources Policy Division, and Sarah Taylor, Analyst, Science Policy Research Division,CRS 86-1020 ENR/SPR,"November 20, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3