Tracing Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin Use Through Gene Expression in Blood, Hair Follicles, and Milk Somatic Cells: A Matrix Comparison

The study evaluated the use of gene expression in milk somatic cells, blood, and hair follicles to detect recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy cattle, involving 9 cows (6 treated, 3 controls). It found higher RNA quality in blood and hair follicles, with significant gene expression differences across all matrices. Milk somatic cells and blood were most promising for rbST detection, with genes like CCND1, IL-1β, TNF, and IGF-1R identified as potential biomarkers. The study concluded that these matrices could be used in gene-expression assays to monitor rbST use, though hair follicles alone may not suffice. It emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate matrices and gene panels for effective rbST screening.