Short communication: Effect of 3 phytoceutical products on elimination of bacteria in experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis clinical mastitis

Abstract

Our objective was to assess the ability of 3 herbal products to eliminate experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis mastitis. These herbal products, also known as phytoceuticals, are used in organically managed dairy cattle to maintain or promote udder health. The products tested were an intramammary product, a topical product, and a product applied to the vulvar area. These products are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of mastitis but they are sold to enhance milk quality or for maintenance or improvement of udder health. Each of the products contains at least one component shown to have antibacterial activity. In this study, we successfully challenge-inoculated 25 lactating dairy cows maintained under organic conditions with an isolate of S. uberis. All challenged cows were positive for S. uberis by milk culture after challenge. When cows met predefined criteria indicating the presence of clinical mastitis, treatment with 1 of the 3 products was initiated based upon a predetermined random allocation. Culture of aseptically collected quarter milk samples was performed before, during, and following challenge with S. uberis. Eight, 8, and 9 cows received the intravulvar, intramammary, and topical treatments, respectively. Milk from all cows that were treated with phytoceuticals were culture-positive for S. uberis at every time point following treatment through 168 h following the last phytoceutical treatment. Based upon the presence of clinical signs and for humane reasons, 2 intravulvar-treated cows, 1 topical-treated, and 4 intramammary-treated cows received intramammary antibiotic therapy. We concluded that the phytoceuticals tested, as dosed and used in this trial, did not produce bacterial cures in S. uberis-induced mastitis.

Nutraceuticals

“…36 However, adult dairy cattle supplemented with EO products containing either garlic, thyme, or oregano failed to cure experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis mastitis following either topical or intramammary administration. 43 Oregano supplementation also failed to reduce Eimeria oocyst shedding in dairy heifers. 37 Garlic (Allium sativum) and garlic oils have the capacity to eliminate free radical species and reduce lipid peroxidation in vivo.…”

Organic dairy farming in Bangladesh: current status, challenges and prospects

“…Studies have suggested that garlic, thymol, and carvacrol could assist in controlling S. uberis-induced mastitis. However, bacterial cures were not consistently achieved, and it was recommended that organic herds using these products observe a withholding time of at least 24 hours (Mullen et al, 2018). Herbal products such as Phyto-Mast and Cinnatube have been shown to be comparably effective to conventional therapies, without causing adverse effects on cows (Mullen et al, 2014).…”

Alternative Practices in Organic Dairy Production and Effects on Animal Behavior, Health, and Welfare

“…However, farmers have reported drying off the affected quarter, or—in severe cases—culling the animal as opposed to using alternatives to antimicrobials [ 100 ]. Mullen [ 101 ] evaluated the pharmacokinetics of garlic, thymol and carvacrol for use in controlling S. uberis -induced mastitis and reported that withhold times of at least 24 h should be established in organic herds that use these products. However, these products did not produce bacterial cures for mastitis [ 101 ].…”

“…Mullen [ 101 ] evaluated the pharmacokinetics of garlic, thymol and carvacrol for use in controlling S. uberis -induced mastitis and reported that withhold times of at least 24 h should be established in organic herds that use these products. However, these products did not produce bacterial cures for mastitis [ 101 ]. Furthermore, researchers reported the efficacy of the herbal products (Phyto-Mast and Cinnatube) was similar to conventional therapies, and the products did not have any adverse effects on cows [ 102 ] Frequent stripping or the use of a topical udder rub are commonly used on organic farms [ 5 ].…”