Therapeutic Efficacy of Ocimum sanctum L. and Anti-mastitis Herbal Paste on Subclinical Mastitis in Cow in Different Housing Systems

Abstract

Background and Aims: Mastitis, mammary gland inflammation, is one of the most important diseases affecting dairy cattle globally, causing significant losses to farmers. Therefore, preventive techniques, including managemental practices, need to be applied to reduce mastitis. The current study was conducted to assess prophylactic potential of O. sanctum and anti-mastitis herbal paste in subclinical mastitis in cow. Methodology: Twenty-four HF crossbred cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis were selected for therapeutic evaluation, while twelve healthy cows served as controls. The affected cows were randomly allocated into four treatment groups (n=6) based on housing system. Groups I (conventional housing) and II (loose housing) received Ocimum sanctum leaf powder orally, twice daily for five consecutive days. Similarly, Groups III (conventional housing) and IV (loose housing) were treated topically with an anti-mastitis paste containing Aloe vera, Curcuma longa, and lime, applied twice daily for five days. Results: Somatic cell count (SCC) values of infected quarters showed a marked decline (P <0.05) by day 28 post-treatment with O. sanctum compared to pre-therapy levels in both conventional and loose housing systems. Similarly, SCC values were significantly reduced (P <0.05) on day 28 following herbal paste application relative to baseline values in both housing systems. Administration of powdered O. sanctum leaves resulted in therapeutic efficacies of 83.33% and 83.83% in conventional and loose housing systems, respectively. Likewise, the herbal paste demonstrated efficacy rates of 81.81% in the conventional system and 53.84% in the loose housing system. Importantly, no adverse effects or behavioral abnormalities were observed in any treated animals throughout the study period. Conclusion: In conclusion, treatment with Ocimum sanctum leaf powder and anti-mastitis paste containing Aloe vera, Curcuma longa, and lime demonstrated promising prophylactic and therapeutic potential for managing subclinical mastitis in cows under both conventional and loose housing systems.