What is rBST and its purpose in dairy production?

rBST, or recombinant Bovine Somatotropin, is a synthetic hormone that is administered to dairy cows with the primary purpose of increasing milk production. This hormone functions by enhancing the efficiency of feed conversion and stimulating the mammary glands to produce more milk. By using rBST, dairy farmers can improve milk yield from the same number of cows, which can lead to more efficient dairy farming and potentially reduce costs.

In this context, it's important to recognize that rBST is not a type of feed; rather, it is a biologically active hormone that influences the cow's metabolic processes. It also does not relate to methods of pasteurization, which involve heat treatment to kill harmful bacteria in milk, nor is it connected to diseases in dairy cattle. Understanding the role of rBST is crucial for discussions around dairy production practices and the implications for animal welfare and consumer perceptions.