TREATMENT OF BOVINE MASTITIS BY ETHNO-VETERINARY PRACTICES IN INDIA

Post no 1151 Dt 14 /03 /2019

Compiled & shared by-DR. RAJESH KUMAR SINGH, (LIVESTOCK & POULTRY CONSULTANT), JAMSHEDPUR, JHARKHAND,INDIA

9431309542, rajeshsinghvet@gmail.com

Mastitis in cows is the inflammation of the cow’s mammary gland and udder tissue. This disease/condition is a major endemic disease of dairy cattle but can affect all other lactating mammals as well.

When the bacteria gain entry into the udder through the teat canal, they find nutrients in the udder and multiply rapidly. Their metabolic byproducts cause poisoning of the udder tissues resulting into an inflammation. The inflammation is due to the cow’s autoimmune response to the toxic metabolites released by the bacteria.

TREATMENT OF MASTITIS IN DAIRY ANIMALS BY AYURVEDA————-

As per the texts of Ayurveda, mastitis is known as Sthanavidhradi, a disease of pitta origin, the drugs used in this formulation (Aloe vera, Curcuma longa and Calcium hydroxide) is potent pitta shamaka (Pacifies Pitta humour). The formulation possesses Krimighna (antimicrobial), Vranashodaka (wound cleanser), Vranaropaka (wound healing), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Srotoshodaka (channel cleanser) properties. Hence, 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 also 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 effect [6-9]. 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 stimulate macrophages which in turn increase nitric oxide production and other cytokines responsible for immunomodulation. Curcumin also possesses immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity[9]. The urgent need of dissemination of this traditional veterinary practice is highlighted in the light of the benefits it provides.

1. Gheekumari (Aloe vera ) – 2 or 3 petal.

2. Haldi (Turmeric) powder- 50gm

3. Chunna (Lime stone)- 10 gm

All the above ingredients are ground well and made in to a paste apply 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. Administer orally 50 gm of khaneka soda (sodium bicarbonate) in the juice of lemon (4 fruits) dissolved in 200 ml of water.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT—————-

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.

Common methods for treating mastitis in cows—-

Antibiotic applications——–

Milk the cow dry and apply an intrammamary antibiotic.

It is illegal and unethical to sell milk with antibiotics in it.

Clean the teat and disinfect with ethanol, after which you allow it 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 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.

Oxytocin treatment———–

Effective treatment of mastitic cows depends on complete removal of milk from the teat cisterns. You can achieve this by increasing the intervals of milking.

Bacteria thrives in milk because it gets nourishment from the milk. When you empty the teat canal, the bacteria will not find nourishment and the antibacterial drugs will be more effective.

If the cow is a high producer, you may need to streak it in between the milking times. You can inject the cows with oxytocin to increase milk let down so that you can achieve complete milking.

In some instances, the bacteria may fail to go away despite regular streaking and application of the antibacterial drugs. This will lead to chronic infections, which is associated with Staphyloccocus aureus, bacteria that naturally exist on the skin.

In such cases, the cow will remain a constant source of contamination for the rest of the herd. You will have no option but to cull such a cow if you must protect the herd.

You can also reduce their effectiveness by implementing the following:———-

1. Dip the teats in a germicide after every milking to decrease incidences of the disease

2. Treat each quarter separately with antibiotics to avoid disease prevalence

3. Milk infected cows last and use separate milk handling equipment for their products to avoid cross contamination

4. Use individual disposable towels for cleaning the udders. If you have to use a cloth towel, each cow should have a separate towel. Clean the towel thoroughly with hot water after milking and air dry.

5. The milkers should be clean and preferably wear latex gloves while milking

6. Isolate new additions into the herd and culture their milk to find out if they have the pathogens that cause mastitis.

7. Cull chronically ill animals

8. Give your heifers dry-cow antibiotic treatment if you notice that they have Staphyloccocus aureus infection

9. Clip the udders to reduce dirt dangling around the teats

10. Pre-dip the teats in a germicide before milking and ensure you only milk clean dry teats.

11. Keep the cows standing after milking to ensure that their teat canals close to avoid entry by bacteria. You can achieve this by giving the cow some feed.

12. Use single-dose infusions to avoid cross contamination when performing udder cleaning and sterilization.

13. Maintain high levels of hygiene by keeping the milking parlor very clean, using clean milking equipment, and using sterile teat dippers.

14. Clean the pipes regularly to avoid buildup of bacteria. In case of Pseudomonas spp. Invasion, you may be forced to replace the heating and piping systems.

Reference-on request