What is Bovine Somatotropin?

Bovine Somatotropin (bST) is being in use in Pakistan in commercial dairies. Here it is commonly used by the brand name of  "BOOSTIN" which is the research product of Monsanto and in USA Monsanto has a marketing rights and market it with the name of "POSILAC"whereas in other part of world Eli Lilly (Elanco animal Health) has marketing rights and available with the brand name "SOMATECH". Currently in Pakistan Elanco's product "SOMATECH" is being marketed by ICI Pakistan Limited Animal Health division.  


Bovine somatotropin is a growth hormone found in cattle. The word bovine refers to cattle, and the word somatotropin refers to the name of the hormone. Hormones are chemicals that are secreted by glands within the body. They are natural substances that affect the way the body operates. Bovine somatotropin, abbreviated as bST, is a protein hormone produced in cattle by the pituitary gland located at the base of the animals brain. 

Calf Rearing Guide: Introduction

Calf rearing is the foundation for the lifetime productivity of your cattle. Doing it well will give you the best chance to have a profitable cattle. Many farmers have their own unique way of calf rearing with successful outcomes. In this article, I'm discussing the ‘once-a-day’ and ‘twice-a-day’ system known as being widely accepted calf rearing practices.


However, whatever system you use or have developed to fit your own circumstances, all calf rearers have the same common goal - to rear the best calves possible. 
The purpose of this article is to promote the key principles and goals of calf rearing;