What health risks are associated with rBGH?
Milk from rBGH-treated cows contains higher levels of Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone considered to be a high risk factor for breast, prostate, colon, lung, and other cancers. Cows given rBGH also experience higher rates of mastitis, a painful udder infection. These cows are treated with antibiotics, which ultimately end up in the milk they produce, and facilitate the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which poses a health issue for humans.Using rBGH has also been linked to an increased incidence of birth disorders in calves. Since the introduction of rBGH injections in the dairy industry, the number of calves born with birth defects to dairy cows has increased significantly. Other side effects of rBGH in dairy cows include hoof problems, increased pus in milk, heat stress, and gastrointestinal problems.
