The Effects of Bovine Growth Hormone (bGH) on Dairy Farm Profitability by Type of Government Program

Administration of Bovine Growth Hormone (bGH) to dairy cows has been shown to increase milk production. Injecting milk cows with bGH results in increased milk production per cow from 10 to 40 percent (Kalter et al.). This response is rapid and continues as long as treatment is given. Presently, the injection is daily, but research is ongoing to develop implants to eliminate this tedious and laborious approach. Some feel that bGH will be available for commercial use within two or three years. It is now in the testing stage for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval