Milk FAQ
Frequently asked questions about milk and dairy production.
What is bovine growth hormone?
- A naturally occurring hormone in cattle that regulates growth and milk production.
- May also be produced by genetic engineering and injected into cows to increase milk production.
- Bovine growth hormone may also called bovine somatotropin (bST).
- The artificial version of the hormone (rBGH) is linked to increased antibiotic use in cows and may be linked to higher rates of cancer in humans.
What is MPC or “milk protein concentrate”?
MPC is the byproduct that remains after milk is broken down and its more valuable components (fat, whey, etc) are taken out.- Controversial because it is mostly imported and has not been tested for safety by the FDA.
- MPC is used as an ingredient in many processed foods such as energy bars and snack foods, as well as some dairy foods like processed cheese slices.
What is the difference between milk from grain-fed and grass-fed dairy cows?
- Cows that are fed calorie-dense grains are able to produce more milk and bring in a higher profit.
- Cows that feed on grass produce milk that is higher in beneficial fatty acids.
- Additionally, grain-fed cows are associated with E. coli 0157:h7 because grain-fed cows have more acidic digestive systems, creating an ideal environment for this deadly strain of E coli.
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