Growth hormone

Growth hormone is an alternative term for somatotropin, the pituitary hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction in animals. Recombinant bovine somatotropin is used in some countries to boost milk yield in dairy cows, a practice banned in the EU over animal-welfare and consumer concerns. Residue and food safety assessments underpin the differing international regulations, and milk from treated cows is tested within the same safety frameworks as conventional milk. The debate illustrates how the same science can lead to different regulatory outcomes.