Hormones are endogenous biochemical messengers which are transported through the bloodstream to their target organs. These compounds are used in the production of food animals to promote growth and increase the efficiency of feed utilization and in the case of bovine somatotropin, to increase milk production. However, the use of hormones in such animals has provoked many concerns on human health impacts. A better understanding of health risks posed by the use of such drugs is essential for making proper regulatory decisions and programmers that support the prudent nonhuman use of hormonal drugs.
