STUDY ON EFFICACY OF HERBAL TEAT DISINFECTANTS IN SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN DAIRY CATTLE
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Date
2022
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KARNATAKA VETERINARY, ANIMAL AND FISHERIES SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, BIDAR – 585401
Abstract
Sub-clinical mastitis can be defined as an infection that is accompanied by
increase in leukocyte count of milk. The existing practice of treatment of udder
infections, whether sub-clinical level or clinical mastitis involves the use of higher
antibiotics causing anti-microbial resistance and residues in milk leading to public health
concerns. Thus, the current study was conducted to compare the alternative low-cost
herbal disinfectants in different combinations to know the effectiveness on sub-clinical
mastitis, production performance and milk composition. A total of 16 lactating dairy HF
crossbred cows in second and subsequent lactations were divided into four groups each
having four cows; T1 (Control fresh clean water), T2 (aloe vera extract 5 grams, ozonated
oil 2.5 grams, wood vinegar 7.5 grams, turmeric extract 0.5 grams, excipient q.s), T3
(aloe vera extract 5 grams, ozonated oil 2.5 grams, wood vinegar 5.0 grams. turmeric
extract 0.5 grams, excipient q.s.), and T4 (aloe vera extract 5 grams, ozonated oil 2.5
grams, wood vinegar 2.5 grams. turmeric extract 0.5 grams, excipient q.s.). The study for
period of 60 days showed that treatment groups had significantly higher milk yield, fat
yield, protein yield and lactose, and better SCC, pH and bacterial load as compared to
untreated animals. There were no deleterious effects on the teat skin and orifices, as
indicated by the teat condition scores. All three herbal combinations were effective in
combating SCM, with T4 showing slightly better bacterial load values. As compared to
the cost of treatment, there are higher returns in the form of increased quantity and
quality of milk.
Key words: sub-clinical mastitis, herbal agents, milk yield and composition, teat
condition score.