Apiterapia para mastite bovina e dermatite digital

The expansion of livestock production has exacerbated health challenges such as mastitis and digital dermatitis, two highly prevalent inflammatory diseases, in dairy cattle. These conditions significantly reduce productivity, compromise animal welfare, and threaten the sustainability of livestock systems. Currently, treatment relies heavily on antibiotics, raising concerns about increasing antimicrobial resistance, and the presence of drug residues in animal-derived products. In response to these challenges, this study aims to review the therapeutic potential of apitherapeutic products, such as honey, propolis, and bee venom, as sustainable alternatives for managing inflammatory diseases in cattle. A review of in vitro, in vivo, and preliminary clinical studies was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of these bee-derived substances. Results indicate promising outcomes, including the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL- 1β, without causing significant cytotoxicity. Additionally, it exhibited bactericidal activity due to its content of bioactive compounds. However, methodological variability, lack of product standardization, limited toxicological assessments, and scarce clinical trials in productive animals currently hinder their practical application. The study concludes that apitherapeutic products offer promising potential as adjunctive treatments in cattle health. Nevertheless, further research is necessary under real farming conditions to validate their efficacy, safety, and economic feasibility for large-scale use.