Elanco Animal Health,
a division of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), said it is “exploring
strategic options for rBST (genetically engineered Bovine Somatotropin),
including seeking a buyer for the molecule and its manufacturing facility at
Augusta, Ga.
The money from a sale “will allow the
company to bring new products that help farmers protect animal health, enhance
animal care, and improve profitability,’ Elanco said in a news release.
“There are still many unmet needs
dairy farmers face today and we are focused on optimizing our investment on new
dairy innovation to fill the gaps we see,” said Jeff Simmons, president of
Elanco.
“rBST is an important innovation for
dairy farmers around the world, bringing substantial benefits to dairy farmers,
consumers, and the environment for nearly 25 years.,” he said.
But not in Canada which refused to
licence it for sale here.
However, it’s well known that some Canadian dairy
farmers obtain supplies in the U.S. and use them in their herd management.
The rationale for the Canadian ban makes no sense. Those who conducted the review said using it would put cattle under too much stress because of increased milk production.
As if all of the other genetic and management measures dairy farmers implement don't put cows under the stresses associated with increased milk production!
It was a political, not a science-based, decision.
And it's another political decision that allows dairy products from the U.S. into the Canadian market, knowing full well that some of the milk was produced by cows treated with rBST.
