Evaluation of ethnoveterinary polyherbal adjunct therapy in bovine mastitis: Efficacy and antibiotic-sparing potential in the Cauvery Delta Region

Abstract

Bovine mastitis remains a major production-limiting disease in dairy cattle, conventionally managed with antibiotics. Escalating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlights the need for effective adjunct or alternative approaches. This study assessed the clinical efficacy and antibiotic-sparing potential of an ethnoveterinary polyherbal formulation comprising Aloe vera, Curcuma longa, calcium hydroxide, and lemon, administered either as an adjunct to standard therapy or as standalone treatment. Ninety mastitis-affected cows were randomly assigned to three groups (N=30 each): Standard antibiotic therapy, Standard + Polyherbal therapy, and Polyherbal alone (with antibiotics as rescue). Key outcomes included clinical recovery, cure rate, somatic cell count (SCC), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), milk yield, relapse, and antibiotic use over 30 days. Adjunct therapy (Standard + Polyherbal) resulted in the fastest recovery (4.8±0.9 days) and highest cure rate (90%), compared with Standard (5.2±1.0 days; 83%) and Polyherbal alone (6.9±1.3 days; 70%). SCC and CRP declined markedly with adjunct therapy (1150 ? 410 × 10³ cells/mL; CRP ? 56%), alongside greater milk yield recovery (92%) and lowest relapse (6%). Antibiotic escalation was reduced (30% ? 12%), and cumulative antibiotic days dropped from 210 (Standard) to 112 (Standard + Polyherbal) and 95 (Polyherbal with rescue). Ethnoveterinary polyherbal therapy significantly improved clinical outcomes and udder health while reducing antibiotic dependence. When used as an adjunct, it enhances therapeutic efficacy and supports antibiotic stewardship; as standalone therapy, it shows moderate but promising potential for selective mastitis management.