What’s our beef with artificial hormones (rBST*)?

In 1994, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the bovine growth hormone recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) to artificially stimulate milk production in cows. Crescent Ridge Dairy opposes the use of rBST and we assure you that our cows are never injected with this hormone, which can be harmful to animals.

The use of rBST often results in cows developing mastitis, due to unnaturally long milking times. By not using rBST, we reduce the possibility of our cows developing mastitis or other health problems. And we partner solely with other New England farmers who pledge not use growth hormones on their herds.

What is BST and rBST?

BST stands for Bovine Somatotropin. BST is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates a cow’s milk production. rBST stands for Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin, which is a genetically engineered clone of the cow’s natural BST hormone. When injected into a cow, it increases her milk production by 10–15%.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis, which is common among all cows producing milk, is an inflammation of a cow’s udder. Cows who produce milk more often than others have a greater chance of getting mastitis. This infection is treated with antibiotics and, by law, all milk must be tested for and be free of antibiotics before it can be sold.

What effects can rBST have on dairy cows?

There are risks to the cow when she is injected with rBST. She can suffer from cystic ovaries, uterine disorders, reduced pregnancy rates, digestive disorders, and enlargements and calluses of the knee. Is this risk to the cow’s health worth the 10–15% increase in production when supply isn’t a problem in the first place? Dairy farmers already produce more milk than the public consumes, so we feel there’s absolutely no need to harm these animals!

Many customers feel that regardless of what the government has to say about rBST, they prefer to drink milk from untreated cows. In some areas, 75% of consumers said they would reduce or stop their use of dairy products derived from cows treated with rBST. Since we care about you, your families, and the humane treatment of the animals on our farm, we will keep our commitment to never inject our herd with rBST.

*No difference has been shown between milk derived from rBST-supplemented (or treated) cows and non-supplemented cows. FDA