Abstract: The present disclosure teaches that the proteins encoded by the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are found in the milk fat globule membranes from humans and cows. Therefore, BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins can be isolated from milk produced by lactating animals. The level of expression of BRCA1 or BRCA2 can be determined by sampling the levels of BCRA1 or BRCA2 proteins found in the MFGM of lactating animals. The present invention also includes a method of determining the likelihood that a woman will develop breast cancer by measuring the amount of the BRCA1 or JBRCA2 expression during lactation. The detection of expression of BRCA1 or BRCA2 can be accomplished with an antibody raised specifically against BRCA1 or BRCA2 proteins, by isolating BCRA1 or BRCA2 from the milk fat globule membranes or by detecting activity of BRCA1 or BRCA2. The level of BRCA1 or BRCA2 is compared to a reference scale of propensity for breast cancer development correlated to normally active BRCA1 or BRCA2 levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring the decrease in phosphorylation of the fatty acid binding protein (FABP) found in the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) of bovine or human milk to detect growth hormone treatment in animals. MFGM of cows treated with recombinan+bovine somatotropin (bST) displays weaker FABP autophosphorylation activity than non treated cows. MFGM isolated from cows treated with bST have significantly reduced levels of phosphorylated FABP. The bST test of the present invention can be used not only to determine whether the animal producing the milk has been treated with bST, it can also be used to determine the efficacy of bST on milk production. Dairy managers could thus base their decision on whether to continue bST treatment on such a test.