HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Peel, C. J. Articles by Bauman, D. E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Peel, C. J. Articles by Bauman, D. E.

Somatotropin and Lactation

Monsanto Co., 1150 Brussels, Belgium

D. E. Bauman

Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

ABSTRACT

Somatotropin, which can now be produced by biotechnology, could have an enormous impact on the dairy industry. Milk yield has been increased up to 40% with daily injections of somatotropin. Cows adjust their nutrient intake to support this increase. Somatotropin does not adversely affect cows' health, although all studies to date have been for less than one complete lactation. The search for a single biochemical or physiological event to account for the effects of somatotropin on milk production is elusive. Coordinated changes in many tissues and physiological processes occur to support the increases in the synthesis of lactose, fat, and protein in the mammary gland. Changes in the irreversible loss and oxidation rates of two key metabolites, glucose and free fatty acids, can quantitatively account for increases in lactose and milk fat during the short-term administration of somatotropin. Similarly, feed intake and live weight changes can account for increases in milk production in the longer experiments. Parallels between physiological changes that occur during somatotropin administration and differences between genetically high and lower yielding cows are highlighted, and the rates of improvement that can be expected from various new technologies are quantified. Existing data on the safety of somatotropin to both the consumer and the animal are evaluated.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				H. Shingu, K. Hodate, S. Kushibiki, E. Touno, A. Oshibe, Y. Ueda, M. Shinoda, and S. Ohashi Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone treatment on milk production and plasma hormones and metabolites in lactating Japanese Black cows under negative energy balance J Anim Sci, April 1, 2009; 87(4): 1247 - 1253. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Carriquiry, W. J. Weber, and B. A. Crooker Administration of Bovine Somatotropin in Early Lactation: A Meta-Analysis of Production Responses by Multiparous Holstein Cows J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2008; 91(7): 2641 - 2652. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. R. Rastani, N. S. Del Rio, T. F. Gressley, G. E. Dahl, and R. R. Grummer Effects of Increasing Milking Frequency During the Last 28 Days of Gestation on Milk Production, Dry Matter Intake, and Energy Balance in Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2007; 90(4): 1729 - 1739. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Al-Seaf, J. F. Keown, and L. D. Van Vleck Genetic Parameters for Yield Traits of Cows Treated or Not Treated with Bovine Somatotropin J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2007; 90(1): 501 - 506. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical As Biotechnology and the American Agricultural Industry JAMA, March 20, 1991; 265(11): 1429 - 1436. [Abstract] [PDF]