We all have heard about the use of BST in lactating dairy cattle during the last 6
to 8 years, but what is BST? Bovine somatotropin is another dairy management tool
developed to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of producing milk. It is the newest
in a list of technological advances in the dairy industry, such as genetic improvements,
nutrition, health, housing, milking equipment and techniques, embryo transfer, and DHI
records.
BST is a natural protein produced in the anterior pituitary gland of all cattle. Like
other proteins, BST is composed of various amino acids (190-199). BST is bovine growth
hormone, somatotropin. It helps to allocate energy from feed to meet the physical needs
of the cows, such as growth in young animals, milk production in mature animals, and other
functions in the body.
