Kerala validates herbal treatment for mastitis in cattle

Researchers in Kerala have gained scientific validation for ethno-veterinary medicines to treat mastitis in dairy cattle, according to reports. The effort was led by the Milma cooperative (Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation), which launched eight herbal formulations after five years of research.

Among those formulations is Masticure, specifically designed to target mastitis. These herbal medicines, according to Milma’s veterinary team, help reduce the cost of treatment for farmers and lower the risk of antibiotic residues in milk, which is a key concern in dairy farming.

The medicines are manufactured in Kerala under a licence from the state’s Drug Control Department, in partnership with a local Ayurveda firm. Milma says that this move is part of a larger strategy to promote animal healthcare through traditional, low-cost, and sustainable practices — while strengthening farmers’ incomes and ensuring safer milk.

Additionally, this research is not isolated: Dr. M. N. Balakrishnan Nair, a leading researcher in ethno-veterinary science, has long advocated for EVP (Ethno-Veterinary Practices) for managing mastitis. His training programs have covered over 30,000 farmers across India, including in Kerala.

Independent scientific studies also back the approach. For instance, a peer-reviewed article has shown that a polyherbal mixture (including Aloe vera and turmeric) used as an adjunct therapy can help treat mastitis and reduce antibiotic use.

This development could be a game changer for Kerala’s dairy industry: by validating cost-effective and lower-risk treatments, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional antibiotic-based therapies, and aligns with global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Source : Dairynews7x7 Nov 21st 2025 Read full story here