Recent Advancement: Ethno-veterinary Formulation for Treatment of Bovine Mastitis

Introduction: The objectives of the study were to carry out clinical trial of ethno-veterinary medicine
for mastitis, to conduct an intervention impact analysis on the reduction of antibiotic residue in the milk
when herbal formulation is used and to evaluate in vitro the pharmacological understanding of the
ingredients in the formulation based on the published literature and phytochemical assessment.
Methods: The herbal formulation for mastitis was documented from a healer and the safety and
efficacy were confirmed using the methodology suggested earlier [1]. Clinical mastitis was identified
by California Mastitis Test (CMT) method. The pH, Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and Electric
Conductivity (EC) were monitored and documented before and post treatment with Ethno-Veterinary
Medicine (EVM) in the field studies involving 27 animals. Freshly prepared fine paste of herbal
formulation was applied externally over the udder 10 times per day for 7 days. Before each
application, the udder was washed well with water and the milk from all quarters was removed
completely. The affected cows were also fed with 2 lemon fruits twice daily. Bulk milk samples were
tested for the presence of antibiotic residue(s) in milk before and after intervention. The
pharmacological understanding of the ingredients in the formulation was evaluated based on the
literature and phytochemical assessment.
Results: The select parameters (pH, SCC, EC) in the animals with mastitis became normal within 6-7
days of treatment. The milk production returned to near normal to the pre-mastitis level. Hence, the
mastitis can be efficiently managed with this formulation. The intervention impact analysis showed 18
to 49% reduction in antibiotic residues in the milk. The combination [Aloe vera (L.) Burm. F, Curcuma
longa L. and calcium hydroxide] acts synergistically and provides effective cure in clinical mastitis
owing to its broad spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.
Conclusion: Mastitis can be efficiently managed with this formulation. The intervention impact
analysis showed 18-49% reduction in antibiotic residues in the milk. The combination [Aloe vera (L.)
Burm. F, Curcuma longa L. and calcium hydroxide] acts synergistically and provides an effective cure
in clinical mastitis owing to its broad spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory
activities. This traditional formulation is very effective in the cure of mastitis. The intervention impact
analysis showed 18 to 49% reduction in antibiotic residues in the milk which indicates EVM based
natural products is an effective alternative to synthetic chemicals in treating mastitis in cattle