Do Cows Have Hormones?

 

Like all mammals, cows have hormones.  Cows have a naturally occurring protein hormone produced in the pituitary gland called bovine somatotropin (bST). This hormone regulates metabolic activities and helps young cattle grow and adult cattle to  produce milk. This natural hormone does not have any physiological effect on humans consuming the milk because:

• bST is species-specific, meaning that it is biologically inactive in humans
• When milk is consumed, the small amount of bST present is broken down completely by the body's digestive system, just like any other protein.
• Pasteurization destroys 90% of bST in milk.

In 1993,  artificial bovine somatotropin hormone (rbST) was developed and after extensive review  approved by the Food and Drug Administration   that could boost milk production and ensure a plentiful supply of milk. 

While  scientific studies have found no difference between milk from cows that are given the artificial hormone from cows that are not, consumers wanted a choice in how milk is produced. You now find milk labeled with the pledge from dairy farmers that produce milk without using this approved technology tool .

 

We support consumer choices but it's important to understand that carton to carton, bottle to bottle, all milk is wholesome, safe and nutritious.

Dairy Celebrates Food Safety

Although September is  recognized as National Food Safety Month, food safety is a priority everyday of the year  on our   dairy farm.  As a Grade A dairy farm, we are licensed by the Arkansas Health Department  to produce milk for bottling or manufactured dairy products by following the    rules and regulations established by the Food and Drug Administration and state regulatory officials by  utilizing  the guidelines of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point systems.

  These food safety systems make  milk and dairy foods  among the safest and most highly regulated foods in the world:

-The  Pasteurized Milk Ordinance ( also known as PMO) sets requirements for milk production, milk hauling, pasteurization, product safety, equipment sanitation and labeling.

 Pasteurization has been recognized for more than a century as an essential tool for ensuring that milk and dairy products are safe.

-The Hazard  Analysis and Critical Control  Point (HACCP) system is used throughout the food industry to help ensure food safety. Dairy processing plants identify critical steps throughout the manufacturing process and establish plans to monitor and minimize any risks. HACCP plans are reviewed, approved and enforced by food safety agencies.

Thanks to these safety rules, less than 1 percent of foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States involve dairy products!

                                                               Happy Food Safety Month!