Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Agribusiness Practice Test

What is bovine somatotropin (BST) primarily used for?

1. Increasing the lifespan of cattle

2. Improving feed efficiency

3. Increasing the production of meat and milk

4. Enhancing disease resistance

The correct answer is: Increasing the production of meat and milk

Bovine somatotropin (BST) is a growth hormone naturally produced in cattle that plays a significant role in regulating various metabolic processes, particularly in lactation. When administered to dairy cows, BST primarily stimulates an increase in milk production by enhancing the efficiency of feed utilization and promoting milk synthesis in the udder. This means that cows treated with BST can produce more milk than their untreated counterparts, making it an important tool in the dairy industry for improving overall milk yield and maintaining supply levels in response to demand. The other options, while related to cattle welfare and productivity, do not directly encapsulate the primary use of BST. For instance, enhancing disease resistance is important but is not a function of BST, as the hormone primarily focuses on productivity rather than immunity. Similarly, while improving feed efficiency is a beneficial aspect of BST treatment, it serves the broader goal of increasing milk production rather than exclusively enhancing feed use. The lifespan of cattle is a separate concern in livestock management that is not directly influenced by the administration of BST. Thus, the main aim of utilizing BST in agribusiness is to significantly boost both the production of milk and meat, aligning with the needs of dairy farmers striving for improved economic viability.