Ethno-Veterinary Approaches to Mastitis Treatment in Cattle: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Alternative

<p><span>Mastitis, a prevalent and costly disease in dairy cattle, significantly reduces milk yield and quality while imposing high veterinary expenses. Conventional treatments largely depend on antibiotics, but concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), drug residues, and economic burden necessitate alternative approaches. Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM), based on traditional plant-derived remedies, offers an effective, affordable, and residue-free option for mastitis management. Various ethnomedicinal formulations—such as Aloe vera–turmeric–lime–lemon pastes, Withania somnifera root preparations, Calotropis poultices, essential oil-based ointments, and herbal oral therapies—have demonstrated clinical cure rates comparable to antibiotics, with added advantages of cost-effectiveness, safety, and sustainability. Beyond treatment, EVM supports udder health through its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, while aligning with organic and eco-friendly farming practices. The integration of EVM into dairy management could mitigate AMR risks, reduce treatment costs, and enhance animal welfare. Further research, validation, and standardization will strengthen its role as a sustainable complement to modern veterinary medicine.</span></p>