Does using BST make the cow ill, and will there be antibiotic residues in the milk?
Cows that are high milk producers, whether by genetic selection or BST supplements, have slightly increased incidence of mastitis, a common infection of the cow’s udder. This infection can be treated by antibiotics. Milk from antibiotic treated cows cannot be sold. Federal and state regulations require all raw milk be tested for drug residues. If raw milk contains illegal levels of antibiotic residues, it can not be used for human food. Farmers shipping milk containing illegal levels of antibiotic residues are penalized.
