Template:Chapter 10.14
10.14 -Herbal treatment of Mastitis in Dairy Cows and other Mammals
Kim D'souza,University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
D'souza,K. (2022) Herbal treatment of Mastitis in Dairy Cows and other Mammals, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org
Overview of Mastitis
Mastitis is a disease that results from bacterial invasion of the mammary glands that poses significant challenges to dairy cattle by impacting milk quality, yield, and ultimately leads to culling (Government of Ontario, n.d). While mastitis can affect all mammals, its economic ramifications are most pronounced in dairy farming. Subclinical mastitis is characterized by recognizable symptoms as the udder appears red, warm to the touch and can be accompanied by inflammation in one teat or multiple (see Figure 1) (Cargill, n.d). The cow may experience discomfort and may kick when touched in the affected area (Suryana, 2021). In addition, an abnormal consistency can be seen in the milk with a red hue, blood traces, flakes, and blood clots and foul-smelling brown discharge (see Figure 2) (Suryana, 2021). This requires discarding affected milk to prevent consumption.
Traditionally, mastitis in dairy cows is treated with antibiotics. However, in recent years, concerns have arisen regarding antibiotic residues leaching into the milk and potentially impacting human health through antibiotic resistance and carcinogenic risks (Suryana, 2021). In addition, veterinary intervention can be expensive and inaccessible in resource poor and remote regions.
An emerging alternative lies in herbal treatments that offers safety, affordability, and accessibility to farmers in remote areas. The article delves into herbal remedies utilizing plants native to South Asia and India, with practices tailored to providing viable options for managing mastitis without drawbacks associated with conventional antibiotic therapies.
Figure 1. Swollen and inflamed teats are a classic symptom of mastitis in a dairy cow. The teat appears larger and swollen when compared to the others. This is due to bacterial invasion of the mammary tissue.
Figure 2: Milk obtained from a cow with mastitis. Note the abnormal color, clumps, and abnormal texture found in the milk.
2.1 Treatment 1: Topical A solution of betel leaves extract, Kecombrang flower extract, and turmeric extract
Mastitis, characterized by bacterial overgrowth in the mammary tissues, is primarily caused by three bacterium types: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli (Suryana, 2021). Recent research by Suryanah and Nurjannah highlight an effective solution: a blend of Betel leaf extract, Kecombrang flower extract, and turmeric extract in equal parts (Suryana, 2021). This concoction demonstrated significant inhibition of mastitis-causing bacteria (Suryana, 2021). A mixture of pure components extracts showed a stronger inhibitory effect, suggesting a synergistic interaction among the components (Suryana, 2021). Betel leaf, turmeric and Kecombrang possess potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in bacterial eradication and reducing inflammation (Suryana, 2021). This potent mixture, displayed remarkable inhibition particularly in Staphylococcus aureus, indicated by the largest inhibition zone (Suryana, 2021).
To prepare the concoction, gather the herbs and wash, then chop and dry them at room temperature (Suryana, 2021). Please see Section 6 below on how to identify plants with detailed instructions. Then, macerate them by soaking them in a 98% methanol solution for 3 days. If methanol is not available, then ethanol or oil (coconut, vegetable, or olive oil) would be acceptable. If you are using oil, macerate it by leaving it in the sun. Next you will need to filter the herbs to create an extract. Detailed instructions on filtering are provided in section 5 below, and can be applied to developing extracts with any herb. Once the extracts are created, create the concoction by mixing equal parts of all three herb extracts. Application involves massaging the ointment onto the mammary gland 2-4 times daily, ensuring to completely saturate the mammary gland. Positive results should be visible in 7 days, however the practice should be continued for 2 weeks.
2.2 Treatment option 2: Topical application of ointment made of salt, Moringa oleifera leaves and turmeric.
In Hyderabad, India, researchers sought alternatives to antibiotics for treating mastitis in dairy cows, aiming to curb antimicrobial resistance and mitigate harsh side effects associated with traditional veterinary medicines (Maramulla, 2019). Their innovative approach, involving the use of readily available ingredients, bypasses the need for the complex extraction process making this method more user-friendly.
To prepare the treatment, 100 g of Moringa oleifera leaves (about a large handful) was finely ground with 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder and 2 teaspoons of salt (see Figure 3 for instructions) (Maramulla, 2019) . This simple yet effective treatment was then applied externally and generously to sanitized udders each time the treatment was repeated (see Figure 4) (Maramulla, 2019). The treatment was applied twice daily for a period of seven days and yielded significant positive outcomes.
By the seventh day, an impressive 90% of the treated cows had fully recovered showing notable improvements in somatic cell count, pH levels, and increased fat content in the milk (Maramulla, 2019). In addition, the cows exhibited enhanced overall health indicators such as increased blood hemoglobin levels and reduced neutrophil and lymphocyte counts (Maramulla, 2019). These benefits stem from the herbs’ broad- spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties (Maramulla, 2019).
Figure 3: A step by step process of how the treatment was made. The three ingredients, Moringa oleifera leaves, turmeric powder, and salt were combined and ground into a paste.
Figure 4: The figure demonstrates how to apply the medicinal paste on the infected cow. Ensure to apply generously and clean before and after treatments.
2.3 Treatment option 3: Oral administration of bolus made of Ocimum santum powder, honey, and lemon juice.
The researchers from Hyderabad, India, also explored an oral treatment approach as an alternative to topical remedies for mastitis in dairy cattle. They developed a bolus composed of 1 cup Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) powder, 3 teaspoons of honey, and the juice of one lemon (Maramulla, 2019). The tulsi powder was made by collecting and drying leaves in the sun for several days until they could be ground into a fine powder. These ingredients were combined and shaped into small round balls approximately palm sized (see Figure 5 for size reference). The cows were orally administered two boluses per day for a duration of 7 days.
The outcomes mirrored the positive results observed with the topical treatment, with a remarkable 90% recovery rate among the cows. This was similarly accompanied by a reduced somatic cell count, balanced pH levels, and increased milk fat content, aligning closely with previous findings indicating enhanced overall health (Maramulla, 2019).
These favorable outcomes stem from the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune modulatory properties inherent in the herbs used in bolus formation (Maramulla, 2019). The data presented was sourced from the same researchers demonstrating consistency and efficacy across both oral and topical treatments.
Traditionally, cow magnets are often installed preventatively early in a cow's life, ideally during the first year. The rationale behind the early installation is to capture and retain metallic objects that the cow may ingest during grazing, thus reducing the risk of hardware disease later in life (Braun, 2022). During branding time, ranchers and dairy farmers often administer cow magnets to calves as a preventive measure against hardware disease (Braun, 2022). While veterinarians are typically qualified for this procedure, experienced farmers may also possess the necessary skills, since vet care is very rare in many developing nations.
Figure 5: Bolus’ created from combining tulsi powder, lemon juice, and honey. Combine enough powder to make a paste and form into solid balls and feed twice a day to infected cows.
2.4 Prevention of Mastitis
Preventing mastitis is critical as it can weaken immune system of cattle and make them more susceptible to other health issues. Studies have highlighted specific risk periods, such as the first 100 days of lactation in cows calving for the second time as well as high milk yields post-calving which increases the likelihood of clinical mastitis (Nitz, 2021). Therefore, implementing effective control strategies during early lactation and the dry period is essential to minimize mastitis risk factors.
The cornerstone of prevention lies in practicing meticulous hygiene before and after milking, including thorough cleaning of equipment, hands, and teats, as well as maintaining a clean environment, especially after calving, with proper disinfection protocols. Moreover, avoiding placenta retention and ensuring the birthing area is cleaned and disinfected after calving are additional measures that contribute to mastitis prevention (Chen, 2020). Stress management also plays a crucial role, as excessive stress can compromise the immune system, making cows susceptible to infections (Chen, 2020).
Effective management practices, including providing proper nutrition, are paramount in strengthening the immune system to combat mastitis-causing bacteria. Supplementing foods with selenium and vitamin E has shown promise in enhancing the immune response against pathogens (Chen, 2020). Placing effort into ensuring nutritional needs are met for cattle is a great way to avoid occurrence of disease (Chen, 2020).
By implementing these comprehensive prevention strategies and prioritizing effective management practices before the onset of disease, farmers can significantly reduce the incidence of mastitis and promote overall heard health and productivity.
4. Critical analysis and conclusion
The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of herbal medicine using plants is extremely cost effective compared to antibiotics provided by a veterinarian. Preliminary data suggests promising results for herbal remedies especially in regions like South Asia and India where herbs are readily available (Suryana, 2021). However, challenges remain regarding the availability of specific plants in other remote regions and the need for knowledge extension on plant identification, extraction methods and application. The provided instructions on making extracts are useful but not as effective as the machines used in studies. Furthermore, while herbal medicines offer potential benefits, it is essential to monitor dosing carefully and consider potential risks to livestock as extracts can be potent.
5. Instructions for the distillation to make extracts after maceration
Use this method after herbs have been collected, washed, dried, chopped, and macerated in a solution of 98% methanol (or ethanol / oil solution) for 3 days. This air drying method creates a concentrated extract that is very potent in healing properties (WikiHow, 2019). Air drying the methanol solution to increase concentration of the potent ingredient requires spreading the herb and methanol solution evenly on a clean flat surface in a well-ventilated area that is protected from dust and pests. Use a tray or sheet lined with cheesecloth or muslin cloth for even drying (WikiHow, 2019). Allow for the extract to dry naturally for a period of a few days to a few weeks. Ensure to periodically spread the solution to promote uniform drying (WikiHow, 2019). The extract is complete when there is no odor of methanol (WikiHow, 2019). Then scrape of the concentrated extract and store it in a clean airtight container away from sunlight and heat (WikiHow, 2019).
6. Practical links - Identification of plants in herbal medicines
References
1. Cargill (n.d.). Mastitis in cows: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment. Retrieved from: https://www.cargill.co.in/en/mastitis-in-cows-causes,-symptoms,-prevention-and treatment#:~:text=The%20swollen%20mammary%20gland%20is,brown%20discharge 20and%20milk%20clots.
2. Cheng, W., & Han, S. (2020). Bovine mastitis: risk factors, therapeutic strategies, and alternative treatments – A review. Asian -Australas J Anim Sci. 33(11):1699-1713. DOI: 10.5713/ajas.20.0156
3. Government of Ontario. (n.d). Warning signs of mastitis and deciding when to treat dairy cows. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/page/warning-signs-mastitis-deciding-when-treat-dai cows#:~:text=Clinical%20mastitis%20infection%20is%20relatively,that%20the%20cow 20has%20mastitis.
4. McGill University. (1997). Treating mastitis without antibiotics. Ecological Agriculture Projects. Retrieved from: https://eap.mcgill.ca/agrobio/ab370 11e.htm#FACTORS%20CONTRIBUTING%20TO%20MASTITIS
5. Maramulla, A., Gadige, A., Kosapati, L., Bommu, S. & Katta, P. (2019). Efficacy of herbal preparations in the therapy of sub clinical mastitis in cows of periurban areas of Hyderabad. The Pharma Innovation Journal. 8(11), 186-188.
6. Nitz, J., Wente, N., Zhang, Y., Klocke, D., Seeth, M. & Kromker, V. (2021). Dry period or early lactation – Time of onset and associated risk factors for intramammary infections in Dairy cows. Pathogens 10(2), 224.
7. Suryanah, S., & Nurjannah, S. (2021). The effectiveness of Herbal Antibacterial Formulations Against Mastitis-Causing bacteria in Dairy Cattle. Animal Production: Indonesian Journal of Animal Production. 23 (3), 151-159. https://doi.org/10.20884/1.jap.2021.23.3.78
8. WikiHow (2019). How to make vanilla extract. Retrieved from: https://www.wikihow.life/Make Vanilla-Extract