PRESS NOTICE
FAWC 3/94 13 July 1994
THE FARM ANIMAL WELFARE COUNCIL CALLS FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE MORATORIUM ON BST
FAWC believes that Bovine Somatotrophin (BST) used at low levels in low yielding dairy cows may not have any adverse effect on their welfare. However when used to induce high levels of milk production, BST can have severe effects on welfare, particularly in relation to the occurrence of mastitis and other diseases.
Mastitis incidence is clearly increased when dairy cows are treated with BST to induce high milk yield (Willeberg, 1993). No adequate study has been carried out to determine whether there is a similar effect in lower yielding cows, nor whether BST itself or the high milk yield produced by BST is the causal factor. However, when mastitis is increased, welfare is poorer no matter what the cause.
Furthermore, no comprehensive study of other aspects of the welfare of the cows treated with BST has been published although various reports exist suggesting increased lameness and other production related diseases, impaired conception, and tender injection sites. These reports have been reviewed by Broom (1993).
Adequate studies of the effects of BST on a wide range of welfare indicators are needed in order to demonstrate clearly the extent of adverse effects. Licensing of BST should not be permitted until those data are available and have been fully assessed.
CONTACT NUMBERS
Farm Animal Welfare Council: Tel: 0181 330 8031/2
Fax: 0181 335 4274
MAFF Publications: Tel: 0645 556000