The Use of Phytobiotics in Dairy Cattle Reproduction

Postpartum disorders in dairy cattle, such as retained placenta, metritis, and clinical or subclinical endometritis, are a major source of economic losses in the dairy industry. Conventional treatment protocols are primarily based on antimicrobials and hormonal therapies. However, their use is associated with the risk of antimicrobial resistance development and the presence of antibiotic residues in colostrum, milk, and animal tissues. This review article examines alternative therapeutic and preventive strategies based on phytobiotics, including medicinal herbs, plant extracts, and essential oils, in the context of improving reproductive performance and eliminating uterine infections. The mechanisms of action of bioactive plant compounds, procedures for preparing intrauterine formulations, results of in vitro microbiological studies (with particular emphasis on Trueperella pyogenes), and findings from clinical trials are discussed. The review also considers the economic aspects of phytotherapy, including pharmacotherapy costs and cost-benefit assessments of phytobiotic interventions.