Impact of bovine somatotropin on dairying in eastern Europe

Milk production of dairy cows in six herds was increased by approximately 15% by the administration of recombinantly derived bST in a sustained-release vehicle (somidobove, Eli Lilly/Elanco, Indianapolis, IN) at 28-d intervals, which commenced at 52 to 104 d postpartum. Milk composition, acidity, flavor, and growth of commercial lactic acid starter cultures were unaffected by somidobove treatment. No adverse effect upon health (metabolic diseases, mastitis) and reproduction was noted. Blood glucose, FFA, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, Ca, Na, and K were unaffected by the application of somidobove. Somidobove did not affect the appearance of the organs of cows at slaughter; however, somidobove-treated cows had less subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue than controls. Cultured explants of subcutaneous adipose tissue of treated cows showed significantly lower lipogenesis from acetate than controls. The release of FFA was not affected by treatment. Recombinantly derived somidobove has been judged in Czechoslovakia to be effective and safe for cows and the environment. Edible products from the treated cows are safe for human consumption.