Background:
Mammary inflammation in dairy cows is a widespread problem in dairy farming resulting
in significant economic and welfare concerns. Dolisovet® (Belladonna 1dH, Calendula MT, Echinacea 1dH, Dulcamara 1cH) a homeopathic medicine,
licensed in France and indicated for the restoration of mammary function in cows is
presented as a 10 g tube of ointment for intramammary use.
Method:
A prospective, uncontrolled, observational pilot study involving the collection and
analysis of data from 31 udder quarters identified as being inflamed by an automated
milking system (AMS) was conducted to evaluate the effect of Dolisovet® on selected parameters of mammary inflammation. Inflamed quarters were identified
when milk quality started to deteriorate, via an alert generated by the AMS, on the
basis of electrical conductivity (EC). Milk yield and EC were retrieved five to seven
days prior to the AMS alert, on the day of and for the following seven days. Dolisovet® was administered twice daily for two consecutive days, commencing on the day of the
AMS alert.
Results:
A significant reduction in EC was observed 4–7 days following the first treatment.
An increase in milk yield was also observed following the first treatment.
Conclusion:
Dolisovet® may have a beneficial therapeutic effect in the early stages of udder inflammation
and for restoring udder health and function. This medicine may be an effective first
line treatment for sub-clinical bovine mastitis, reducing the need for antibiotics.
Randomised, controlled studies should be undertaken to further investigate this possibility.
Keywords
Homeopathy - Prospective study - Dairy cattle - Mastitis - Udder inflammation - Conductivity
- Milk production
