mythbusting dairy

In this podcast episode, Caitlyn and her friend Julia debunk myths about dairy production. They discuss the ethical treatment of cows on dairy farms and the regulations in place to ensure the safety of milk. They also address the topic of hormones in cow's milk, explaining that the hormones are broken down during digestion and are not a cause for concern. They mention that the concentrations of hormones in cow's milk are relatively low and that the body can handle them without adverse effects. They also mention that antibiotics used in dairy cattle are rigorously tested and regulated, with strict withdrawal periods enforced to ensure that no traces of antibiotics remain in the milk. The milk is extensively tested before it reaches consumers to guarantee compliance with safety standards. The separation of cows treated with antibiotics from the rest of the herd is a critical step to ensure the safety of the milk supply. In conclusion, consuming cow's milk in moderation is not a significa Welcome to Caitlyn's Dairy Podcast, where we delve into the essential aspects of dairy farming to ensure the health and well-being of our bovine friends. In today's episode, we're changing it up. We're going to be debunking dairy production myths with my friend, Julia. Hello! Stick around as we explore the truths and lies about the dairy industry. Okay, we're going to start with understanding the production process. To comprehend the safety of dairy milk, it's crucial to understand the production process. Dairy farmers prioritize the health and well-being of their livestock to ensure a high-quality product. Rigorous standards and regulations are in place to guarantee that milk on the shelves is safe for consumption. So, Julia, from a consumer's point of view, what do you think about the production process, and do you think it's skewed from the truth? I feel like people that don't know much about this process, we tend to think that it's unethical and there might be abuse going on. By abuse, do you mean in the farms? Yes, like not treating the cows morally and ethically correct. That is such an interesting statement, considering what has been learned in my dairy class recently about how cows are actually treated in the barns, and how much money and thought is put in from farmers and producers to make sure that they are taken care of to the best of their ability. Next, we're going to talk about hormones. Contrary to popular belief, the use of growth hormones in dairy cattle is strictly regulated and in many cases, prohibited. In the United States, for instance, the FDA has set strict guidelines to ensure that milk from cows treated with growth hormones does not reach the market. These regulations are designed to safeguard the public and maintain the integrity of the dairy industry. The notion that hormones in cow's milk can significantly impact human health has been a topic of discussion, but scientific evidence indicates that the hormones in cow's milk are not a cause for concern. Here are several key points to consider when understanding the relationship between hormones in cow's milk and their potential effects on humans. Digestive breakdown, species-specific hormones, low hormone concentrations, hormones already present in the human body, and the fact that there is no scientific consensus on negative effects. From a consumer's point of view, what do you think of hormones in dairy cattle milk? Obviously, they're not good and it's like good to know that that is not included in what I'm consuming because the FDA approves a lot of ingredients that are in normal food that's banned in other countries, so I would assume it would be like the same kind of scenario, like there would be bad stuff in our milk. Do you think that consumers believe that there's actually hormones that could affect humans in milk? Yes. People believe the most outlandish shit, so I assume that. So with our first point, digestive breakdown. When humans consume cow's milk, the digestive process breaks down the proteins, including hormones, into smaller components like amino acids. This breakdown occurs during digestion in the stomach, rendering the hormones biologically inactive and preventing them from exerting any direct effects on the human body. Oh wow, that is so interesting. I had no idea that's how it works. Information like this is not commonly spread in the media because there is a political agenda in production. The hormones in cow milk are actually species specific. The hormones naturally present in cow milk are specific to cows and function within the context of their physiology. Human and bovine hormonal systems are different, and as a result, the hormones in cow's milk are not well suited to influence human hormonal balance. This is especially present in what we call colostrum, which is the initial liquid secretion that comes out of mammary glands in cows once the calf is born. Colostrum is nutrient dense and it's extremely hydrating to the calves, and it boosts their immune system. The point of colostrum is to provide the calves with their initial nutrients to give them a boost and to ensure they stay warm after birth and that they have proper growth in their first few months of life. That is so interesting. I feel like I'm learning so much from this podcast. The concentrations of hormones in cow's milk are relatively low, and the body is equipped to handle such small amounts without adverse effects. In fact, the hormonal content in many plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can be comparable to or even higher than that of cow's milk. Julia, do you believe that the media likes to portray cow's milk as extremely hormone heavy to the point where it could negatively affect puberty in young adults? Absolutely. I feel like there's so much misinformation out there about this topic, so it's good that people need to sit there and get informed. I agree. Thank you so much for that statement. Many of the hormones found in cow's milk are also naturally occurring in the human body. For example, insulin-like growth factor, which is often a focus of discussions about hormones in milk, is produced by humans as well. The body regulates these hormones through complex feedback mechanisms. Isn't that interesting information, Julia? Yeah, I would have had no idea if we weren't doing this. What is so fascinating about hormones is that our body has hormone receptors, which are regulated in our bodies. Our body can only take a certain amount of hormones, and this is especially obvious in estrogen and testosterone receptors, which are limited depending on the gender of the person or animal. Real quick, we're going to have an intervention from a special guest named Allie Garvelli. She's currently a master's student at Texas Tech in kinesiology. She has an interesting statement about hormones in cow's milk. I think one of the only arguments you could really make for the insulin-like growth factor in cow's milk is if you have populations with cancer, insulin-like growth factor has been shown to increase tumor growth, so maybe you wouldn't want those populations to be consuming large amounts of milk. But in typical healthy populations, insulin-like growth factor wouldn't be a huge concern. Thank you so much for that, Allie. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to investigate the potential health impacts of hormones in cow's milk. And to date, there is no clear and consistent evidence suggesting significant negative effects on human health besides a statement made by Allie Garvelli. Regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration closely monitor these studies to establish and enforce safety standards. In conclusion, while the presence of hormones in cow's milk is a scientifically established fact, the evidence suggests that the amounts are minimal and that the human body processes them without causing harm. As with any scientific topic, ongoing research is important, but current findings support the idea that consuming cow's milk in moderation is not a significant source of hormone disruption for humans. It is, however, a great source of protein. Get your protein in, kids! As we shift out of that topic, we're going to move on to how antibiotics are rigorously tested and regulated in dairy production. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary for treating illnesses in dairy cattle, just as they are in human medicine. However, strict withdrawal periods are enforced to ensure that no traces of antibiotics remain in the milk by the time it reaches consumers. The milk is extensively tested to guarantee compliance with safety standards. Were you aware of this testing, Julia? Not at all, but it's very reassuring that this is taking place. It is amazing how few people are aware that cows go through a withdrawal period after being treated with antibiotics, and typically the cows are tested daily to ensure that the antibiotics are no longer in their system. Not only this, but their milk is tested before it's sent out, and as soon as it's put in the truck to be delivered, they test it again to ensure that once it's brought to the factory, it does not contaminate other milks. Extensive testing is conducted at various stages of production. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the Department of Agriculture work tirelessly to enforce stringent standards ensuring that any milk reaching the market is free from harmful substances. When a dairy cow requires medical attention and is treated with antibiotics, a careful and systematic process is implemented to ensure the safety in the milk supply. The separation of cows treated with antibiotics from the rest of the herd is a critical step in this process. Were you aware that cows are separated from the herd when they're being treated with medications? That is truly astonishing. I had no idea. Cows, in fact, are not allowed to stay with their herd when they're being treated to ensure that we do not mix them up and accidentally collect their milk and send it out for consumption. This is how we protect the production industry. Firstly, once a cow is identified as needing antibiotic treatment, it is segregated from the main herd. The separation is not only to prevent the potential transmission of illnesses, but also to allow for individualized care and monitoring. Isolation areas, or specific pens, are often designated for cows undergoing treatment. These areas are equipped with appropriate facilities and veterinary support to ensure the well-being of the treated cow. Moreover, the industry follows strict withdrawal periods, which are the mandated time frames during which a cow must be kept separate to allow the antibiotics to naturally leave its system. This ensures that no traces of antibiotics remain in the milk that the cow produces. Regular testing is conducted to verify that the milk is free from antibiotic residues before the cow is reintegrated into the main herd and the milk is deemed safe for consumption. The careful separation and monitoring of cows treated with antibiotics underscore the dairy industry's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the milk supply chain, prioritizing both animal welfare and the production of safe and wholesome dairy products for consumers. That is literally so cool, and I love how they prioritize that and make sure that it's very safe for consumption. As someone with absolutely no animal science background whatsoever, this is very enlightening. I'm glad I can provide this information for you, Julia. Pasteurization, a crucial step in milk processing, involves heating the milk to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens. This process not only enhances the milk's safety, but also preserves its nutritional value. There is also immense regulatory oversight. Government agencies consistently monitor and regulate the dairy industry to maintain high standards of safety. Continuous research and advancements in technology contribute to the development of more effective testing methods, ensuring that the milk on our tables is safe for consumption. Dairy milk also has extremely high nutritional value in terms of protein and vitamins. Dairy milk is a rich source of essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These nutrients are vital for maintaining strong bones, a healthy immune system, and overall well-being. By understanding the rigorous safety measures in place, we can confidently embrace the nutritional benefits that dairy milk offers. We are now going to transition into a Q&A with my friends Julia and Allie and Danny. Do you all have any questions for me regarding dairy production as a whole? I have a question. So do you think, I want to know which one you think is more destructive to the dairy industry, either the misconceptions of dairy production, so like how the animals are treated and antibiotic usage, hormone usage, things like that, or the misconceptions on how the dairy industry impacts environmental well-being? That is actually a great question that I have been equipped to answer thanks to my dairy production class and my feeds class that I took through Texas A&M University. I fully believe with facts that I have learned that the wrong information that is being spread about the dairy industry regarding the environment is much more harmful to dairy production because it has become a scapegoat to other sources of environmental pollution and currently the car industry is actually becoming more and more harmful due to the production of lithium batteries, which cannot be recycled. They are actually being thrown into landfills and being wasted, which is actually much more harmful for the environment. Furthermore, to get those lithium batteries, they have to mine for them, and typically they are in underprivileged societies and they are working those people for virtually no money, which many could argue is slavery. Arguably, the methane produced by cows used in production is maybe 0.005% of what all other pollutants in the air. In conclusion, it is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to dairy milk. The industry is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of the products we consume. By understanding the stringent regulations, testing processes, and the nutritional value of dairy milk, we can appreciate this wholesome beverage for what it truly is, an essential component of a healthy and balanced diet. Let us continue to make informed choices and enjoy the benefits of dairy milk without succumbing to unfounded fears. Until next time, take care of your cows and may your milk always be of the highest quality.