Role of Ethnoveterinary Practices and Veterinary Homeopathy/ Veterinary Ayurveda in Treatment of Mastitis in Dairy Animals
- Niyogi
Professor & Head, Veterinary Pathology
C.V.Sc. & A.H.
ANDUAT, Ayodhya (U.P.)
Abstract
Ethnoveterinary medicine refers to the people’s knowledge, skills, methods, practices and beliefs about the care of their animals. In Indian condition, most of the dairy farmers are poor but they have best knowledge of traditional medicine as well as veterinary homeopathic medicines. Knowledge of homeopathic/Ayurvedic medicine provides a crucial role to minimize heavy economic loss due to disease conditions. Mastitis is most common disease of dairy animals causing huge economic loss to the dairy farmer. Among the several barriers in achieving the milk production targets, mastitis continues to remain as a most challenging impediment, since the affected quarters show 30% less productivity and cow loses about 50% of production. Several herbal extract and preparations e.g. combination of Benachu kallu, Desi butter, Betel leaf (Piper betle) and Sambrani (Benzoin resin) etc along with homeopathic drugs such as Sulphur 30, Carboveg 30, Silicia 30, Phytolacca 30, Pulsatilla 30 and tetasule along with ayurvedic medicines can be used to treat various stages of mastitis.
Key Words: Ethnoveterinary, Mastitis, Benachu kallu, Desi butter, Betel leaf and Sambrani
Introduction
Traditional medicine in Ethiopia has been widely used by various ethnic groups. 90% of livestock population in developing country depends on traditional medicine, which mainly comes from plants (Atinafu et al., 2017). Ethnoveterinary medicine, provide low cost treatment to animals as well as human also and a best alternative of allopathic medicine. Research into ethnoveterinary medicine is often undertaken as part of a community-based approach that serves to improve animal health and provide basic veterinary services in rural areas. Ethnoveterinary medicine refers to the people’s knowledge, skills, methods, practices and beliefs about the care of their animals (McCorkle, 1986). In Indian condition most of dairy farmers are poor but they have best knowledge of traditional medicine as well as veterinary homeopathic medicines. Knowledge of homeopathic medicine provides a crucial role to minimize heavy economic loss.
Mastitis is most common disease of dairy animals its causes huge economic losses to the dairy farmers and also down grade the value of dairy animals. It is an infectious disease causing inflammation in mammary gland of cow. Depending on its severity it may be sub-acute, acute and chronic. When its infection occurs in animals-in mild form of infection there is no change in milk secretion but there is increase in number of somatic cell count in milk occur, but in moderate disease both increase in number of somatic cell along with gross change in milk is noticed. As its severity increases along with change in somatic cell count milk composition, systemic sign such as fever, depression, off-feed and sometimes death in most severe cases occurs. Besides, veterinary cost, premature culling and death in severe cases are also causes of economic losses in mastitis animals. Among the several barriers in achieving the milk production targets, mastitis continues to remain as a most challenging impediment, since the affected quarters show 30% less productivity and cow loses about 50% of production (Srivastava et al., 2012 ).
Treatment by Ayurveda
In the first practice, the local community used the combination of Benachu kallu, Desi butter, Betel leaf (Piper betel) and Sambrani (Benzoin resin) to treat the mastitis cases.
- In the first step, the people used to collect the good quality of Benachu kallu; a white colour stone which is available in plenty in the banks of water streams and out streaks of the village.
- In the second step, the pure Desi butter collected from healthy cow.
- In the third step, the Benachu kallu grind into fine powder and mixed with Desi butter systematically to make into paste form. This whole blending process should be done on the Betel leaf (Piper betle) because of the belief that, the betel leaves have some medicinal property which will diffuse into the paste while blending the Benachu kallu and Desi butter together.
- In the fourth step, the mastitis infected udder cleaned with fresh warm water which contains turmeric powder and common salt mixture with equal amount.
- In the fifth step, the medicinal paste which contains Benachu kallu and Desi butter were applied over the mastitis affected inflammatory udder of cow or buffalo from top to bottom and the udder left for drying about 20-30 minutes.
- In the final step, the Sambrani (Benzoin resin) smoke used to fumigate the mastitis affected udder for 5 – 10 minutes for better results of the treatment. This practice administered by the farmers twice in a week.
In the second practice, the local people used combination of Turmeric powder (Curcuma longa), Drumstick leaves (Moringa oleifera) and Common salt (Sodium chloride) to control the clinical mastitis.
- Firstly, the people used to collect the fine quality of turmeric rhizome and the healthy rhizome dried up under shade for 20-25 days, after proper dried up the turmeric rhizome grind into fine powder.
- In second step, healthy and disease free fresh drumstick leaves collected from the tender shoots.
- In third step, the drumstick leaves crushed and grinded with the help of specially designed stone grinder.
- In fourth step, turmeric powder mixed with drumstick leaves paste and allowed 30 minutes for complete blending.
- In fifth step, common salt mixed with the medicinal paste. Finally, the medicinal pastes were applied over the mastitis infected udder. This method administered by the farmers thrice in a week for improved results.
Third Practice, the ayurvedic treatment of bovine mastitis includes formulation such as Aloe vera, Curcuma longa and calcium hydroxide. The formulation possesses Krimighna (antimicrobial), Vranashodaka (wound cleanser), Vranaropaka (wound healing), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Srotoshodaka (channel cleanser) properties. Thus bovine mastitis can be efficiently managed with this formulation. The antimicrobial activity of Aloe vera is attributed to the anthraquinones (aloin and emodin), flavonoids, tannins (active against MRSA), saponins, p-coumaric acid, ascorbic acid, pyrocatechol and cinnamic acid. Alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, terpenoids, phytosterols, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid and α-turmerone in fixed oils of Curcuma longa possess antimicrobial activity against wide range of bacteria. The anti-inflammatory activity of aloe vera is reported to be due to brady kinase which decreases vascular permeability, neutrophil migration, and leukocyte adhesion and reduces edema formation. It is also found to decrease the production of TNFα, inhibit PGF2α and TB4. Curcumin, the active principle of Curcuma longa is reported to inhibit NF-κB which in turn decreases TNF-α, superoxides, COX-2, iNOS and NO. It inhibits LOX pathway and decreases the formation of leukotriene. Calcium hydroxide is known to possess anti-inflammatory action and reduces edema formation. Thus all the three ingredients in the formulation act at various steps in the inflammatory pathway and synergistically produce anti-inflammatory effects. Polysaccharides present in aloe vera are rich in mannose and act as biological response modifier by targeting antigen presenting cell and cytokine cascade. Acemannan increases TNFα, IL-1B, IFN γ, IL-2 and IL-6; aleoride increases NFκB activation and stimulates macrophages which in turn increases nitric oxide production and other cytokines responsible for immunomodulation. Curcumin also possesses immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity. The ingredients are as follows:-
- Gheekumari (Aloe vera) – 2 or 3 petals
- Haldi (Turmeric) powder – 50 gm
- Chunna (Lime stone) – 10 gm
All the above ingredients are ground well and made in to a paste to be applied over the udder thrice a day for 3-7 days depending upon the disease incidence. Before applying, the udder and teats should be washed with boiled water for 3 times for 5 days. Administration of orally 50 gm of sodium bicarbonate in the juice of lemon dissolved in 200 ml of water is also effective.
- Homeopathic Treatment
- Herd treatment
To Prevent or treat the disease first understand the nature of disease it may be viral bacterial or may be any other cause. For the purpose of herd medication we must employ the nosode in the 30th potency and have it prepared in liquid form. A 5ml vial may be added per month to the main water tank supplying the drinking water. A variation of this approach is to use certain remedies well proven in their relation to the mammary glands, g. Phytolacca, and Sulphur, Silicea, and Carbo Vegetabilis used in conjunction. Sub-clinical cases benefit from this approach. For prevention, we must not forget the animals in the herd which are non-lactating during the summer months and consequently are at risk to Corynebacterium pyogenes infection – all such animals should be given a monthly dose of nosode, starting in March – heifers and calf for the first time are just as likely to succumb as older animals.
(b) Treatment of individual cases- All outbreaks of mastitis call for the employment of various remedies according to the different symptoms, and the animal’s reaction to the disease.
Among the commoner remedies frequently used are the following:
Belladonna 1M. Indicated usually in the acute form post-partum. The udder shows acute swelling and redness, and pain is obvious on palpation. The animal generally may feel hot with full bounding pulse. Dose: one dose at 1 hr interval upto 4 hours.
Aconite 6x. This should be employed as a routine in all acute cases, especially those which develop suddenly, possibly after exposure to cold, dry winds. It will allay tension and restlessness. Dose: one every half-hour for six doses.
Apis Mellifica 6c. This is a useful remedy for freshly calved heifers showing oedema of udder and surrounding tissues. The mammary vein is usually engorged in these cases. Dose: one every three hours for four doses.
Bryonia Alba 30c. Indicated where the udder swelling is hard and indurate. In acute cases pain will be relieved by pressure on the udder and such cases are frequently presented with the animal lying down as this appears to give relief. Chronic forms showing fibrosis should benefit from this remedy. Dose: in the acute form, one dose four-hourly for four doses. In the chronic form, one dose twice weekly for one month.
Arnica Montana 30c. When mastitis has developed as a result of injury to the udder tissue. Blood may be present in the secretion. Dose: one three times daily for three days.
Bellis Perennis 6c. Somewhat similar in its requirements to Arnica, but Bellis is probably better if the injuries are more deep than superficial, e.g. damage from teat cups which has gone on for a few days. Dose: one three times daily for four days.
Phytolacca 30c. A useful remedy both for acute and chronic cases. Acute forms may show curdled milk and clots, while in the latter, small clots may appear in mid-lactation. This is probably the most useful remedy for the average chronic case. Dose: for acute cases one three times daily for three days, followed by one daily for four days. Mastitis which appears in the form of small clots in mid-lactation will probably yield to a dose every three hours for four doses.
Urtica Urens 6x. For acute forms showing oedema, which may be in the form of plaques frequently extending to the perineal area. Dose: one every hour for four doses.
S.S.C. 30c. This is a combination of Sulphur, Silicea and Carbo Veg. and has given excellent results in both acute and sub-acute cases. Clots are usually large and have a yellowish tinge, especially in the fore-milk. Dose: one three times daily for three days.
Hepar Sulphuris 6x. This low potency of Hepar will help promote suppuration and clearing of the udder contents in cases of C. Pyogenes or summer mastitis infection. Dose: one every three hours for four doses. Once the udder has been cleared of purulent material, a dose or two of a higher potency should be given to complete the cure.
Silicea 200c. Also useful in chronic cases of Corynebacterium pyogenes infection where purulent foci and sinuses have developed as a result of multiple abscesses. Dose: one twice weekly for four weeks.
In acute cases remedies such as Belladonna, Bryonia and Urtica Urens may be combined as a polyvalent remedy (like S.S.C.). This will avoid the necessity for separate dosing with each remedy. The various nosodes can also be used therapeutically along with indicated remedies, a dose/day for three consecutive days being sufficient.
Ipecac 30c is a useful remedy for controlling intra-mammary bleeding which results in ‘pink milk’, or even more frank bleeding. Dose: one three times daily for three days.
Sub clinical mastitis:
- Milk can be tested with a pH paper like bromothymol blue in sub clinical mastitis the paper turns to green and in clinical mastitis turns blue.
- Small quantity of milk is directly boiled in a glass and decanted. In sub clinical mastitis the sediments gets attached to the sides of glass.
These above two methods are 40% reliable.
- Electronic device is used to know electrical conductivity which is reliable above 95%.
All these above three methods are not useful in cloistral period, when the animal has crossed 5th month pregnancy and in a non pregnant animal which has milked for 10 or more months, where milk will be having more sodium and chloride ions in the milk.
In such sub clinical case Pulsatilla 30/200, 20 pills TID for 2 or 3 days is used (if used for more days the animal can lose its appetite), Animal can be given two teaspoonfuls (10-12g) of sodium citrate orally once a day, which reduces alkalinity of milk.
Sulphur30, Carboveg30, Silicia30, Phytolacca30, Pulsatilla30 each 15 pills TID/QID can be used. In acute mastitis, i/mammary and i/muscular treatment is used. Pulsatilla30/200, 20-30 pills TID can be used for 3-4 days.
Acute mastitis: Echinacea.Q 8 drops and Apis Mel CM 6drops in one tea spoonful of water TID/QID. Sulphur30, Carboveg30, Silicia30, Phytolacca 30 and Pulsatilla30 each 15 pills TID/ QID.
Mastitis in Cattle: Painful swollen udder: Belladonna hourly, Udder Hard but milk not spoiled. Bryonia 200 qid.
Hard udder with pus in milk. Phosphorus 200.
Udder oedema Natrum Sulph 200 depending on the severity the drug/s may be used 5 to 6 times in a day.
(d) Treatment for Chronic Mastitis:
Use subcutaneously 1/2 ml of injectable Sulphur C, 2ml of Calcaria Flour-200C in 100 ml of luke warm water is administered orally thrice a day to each animal. Silicea -200C is also administered in same dose and route keeping a time gap of half an hour between two administrations. The treatment is carried out for 20 days.
Treatment: The mode of treatment can be grouped into two heads – mastitis with anorexia and mastitis without anorexia.
A) Mastitis with Anorexia
1. Belladonna 30 or 200: When the udder is hot, painful and edematous.
Dose: Belladonna 30: one dose every two hours 4 to 5 times till relief Belladonna 200: B.I.D for 2 days.
2. Bryonia 30 or 200: When udder is hard, painful and hot, animal is disinclined
to move.
Dose: One dose every 3 hrs till relief
3. Urticaria urens 30: When the udder is hard, painful, edematous with allergic
reactions and let down problems, dysagalactia, Dose: One dose every 1 hour till relief
4. Homeopathic Combination:
Belladonna
Bryonia
Urtica aa 30
Dose: 1 dose once in 2 hrs till temperature comes to normal
5. Phytolocca 200: When the udder is hot, with flakes and clots in milk and
refuse to allow the calf for suckling or mulking
Dose: 1 dose 2 hourly 4-5 doses for 2-3 days
6. Conium 200: When the udder is very hard, with yellowish and cheesy milk
and painful udder.
Dose: B.I.D. for 2 – 7 days
7. Merc sol 200: When the udder is hard and when the milk is watery or
serosanginous in appearance (Foot and Mouth affections)
Dose: B.I.D. for 2 days
8. Silicea 6x: Udder indurated, milk cheesy in consistence, with yellow clots
Dose: T.I.D for 1 week to 10 days
9. Biochemical Preparation 1: Kali mur 6x when clots in milk
Calc Flur 6x
Dose: B.I.D. for 1 week to 10 days
10. Biochemical Preparation 2: Silicea 6x When the udder is hard
Calc Sulph 6x and clots in milk
Dose : Q.I.D for 1 week
11. Homeopathic Combination 1: For intra mammary use.
Calundula Q
Belladonna 30
Dulcamara Q
Echinaea 30 aa 1 ml
Made upto 20 ml with distilled water
Indications: Inflammation of the udder with loss of appetite, fever
congestion and trauma.
Dose: 10 ml Morning and 10ml night, intra mammary injection
for 2 to 3 days. Massage the udder to disperse the medicine uniformly
12. Homeopathic Combination 2: For External use only
Phytolocca decandra 30
Calendula officinalis Q
Apis mel 30
Belladonna 30 aa 1 ml
Made up to 20 ml with glycerine.
Indications: Indicated in fissures, wounds, ulcers, congestions,
hematomas, inflammations, contusions etc.
Dose : Apply on the affected teats and udder, B.I.D. for 2 – 4 days
13. Homeopathic Combination 3: For internal use
Phytolocca 200
Calc. Fluor 200
Silicea 30
Belladonna 30
Arnica 30
Conium 30
Ipeca 30 aa 0.5 ml.
Made up to 30 ml vimeral.
Indications : In acute, subacute and chronic mastitis .
Dose : 2 –5 ml, B.I.D. orally for One week.
- B) Mastitis Without Anoexia
1. Kali Mur 30: Hardness and White or gray or cream colour clots.
Dose : 4 time a day for 2 to 5 days
Ferrum Phos 6x: Blood in milk with or without bad smell
Dose : Q.I.D for 2 to 5 days
3. Silicea 1M + Calc. Sulph 200: When udder is hard and with clots
Dose : Q.I.D for 2 –7 days. - Intra-mammary infusions
The teat must be cleaned and disinfect with ethanol, after which it is allowed to dry for a few seconds. Partially insert the cannula containing the infusion onto the teats to reduce contact, which can introduce fungi that will cause a different form of mastitis. Once the teat comes into contact with the antibiotic infusion, streak the teats by pinching and palpate a little bit to make sure that the antibiotic treatment enters the mammary gland.
Conclusion
First aid of mastitis involves applying ice cubes on the udder surface. The infected milk from infested teat should be drained out thrice a day and safely disposed. A composition of 5% phenol can be included to the infected milk to ensure hygienic disposal. While milking the herd, strict attention must be paid to first milking healthy, non-infected cows and subsequently those infected. The infected and non-responsive quarter should be dried up, permanently. Calves should be prevented from suckling on the infected teat. The economic losses on the dairy industry involving bovine mastitis causative agents, the rapid emergence and exhibition of multi-drug resistance as well as their great tendency to cause persistent, chronic and recurrent infections, make this disease a continuous challenge and a subject of investigation by several research groups justifying the continued attention in this area. Independently from the origin of the infection, bio-films have been shown to be important in pathogenicity and therefore may play a role in the biology of recurrent infections, antimicrobial agents/host immune defense system resistance, being consequently more difficult to control/eradicate the disease. The role of ethno-veterinary practices and veterinary homeopathy/veterinary ayurveda in mastitis infections is crucial to determine and study the best control strategies to be used in veterinary practice in order to reduce losses in the dairy industry and to ensure milk safety and quality.
Generally, based on the increasing use of ethno-veterinary practices following things are considered :
- Since ethno-veterinary medicinal plants were mostly found in nature, everybody and stakeholders (forestry and environmental protection office, departments and bureau) should give attention to protect from destruction.
- All traditional medicines were given through indigenous and traditional people so that they need to be approval (their residual effect).
- Application and recommended dose size should be adjusted by administration in to the body.s
References
Mooventhan, P.; Manimaran, A.; Kumar, R.S.; Selvan, A.S. and Prakash, M.A. (2016) Indigenous ethnoveterinary medicinal practices for management of mastitis in dairy cattle. Indian J. Anim. Res., 50 (1):137-139.
McCorkle, C. M. (1986). An introduction to ethnoveterinary research and development. J. Ethnobiol., 6: 129-149.
Kebede, A.; Ayalew, S.; Mesfin, A. and Mulualem, G. (2017): An Ethnoveterinary Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Management of Livestock Ailments in Selected Kebeles of Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia. J. Plant Sci., 5(1): 34-42.
Srivastava, A. K.; Kumaresan, A.; Manimaran, A. and Shiv Prasad. (2012). Status paper on Mastitis in dairy animals, National Dairy Research Institute. Karnal, Haryana.
