Authors : Nahed M. Wahba, Neveen A. EL Nisr, S.M. Sayed, M.R. Abd Ellah, M.M. Abd El-Hafeez and A.A. Aamer
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the most suitable and effective regimen of intramammary honey infusion in bovine subclinical mastitis. A total of twenty five subclinical mastitic cows from two farms were divided into two groups; group a: 10 lactating cows were infused 10 mL fennel honey solution 10% in sterile saline/quarter daily for three successive doses; group b: 15 lactating cows were infused day by day for three successive doses guarded with intramuscular antihistaminic drug. Milk samples of both groups showed a decrease in total bacterial count at the 3rd and 10th day and the reduction percent was 99.6 and 99.8%, respectively. Milk cytological results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in lymphocyte and significant (p<0.05) decrease in neutrophil percentages at the 3rd day up to the 10th day in group b while the same results were achieved at the 10th day in group a. Milk yield records in group a showed decrease by the 3rd day post intramammary infusion and then gradually increased up to the 10th day reaching nearly the same levels. Milk yield of group b showed a slight decrease by the 3rd day and gradually increased to level higher than that before infusion. Haematological study revealed that the percentage of blood neutrophil significantly decreased (p<0.05) from the 3rd up to the 10th day in both groups while the lymphocytic percentage increased significantly (p<0.05). In group a, the eosinophil cells’ percentage was significantly increased (p<0.05) at the 3rd day. It was concluded that intramammary 10% honey infusion day by day for three doses guarded by antihistaminic drug could treat bovine subclinical mastitis. Moreover, milk cytology could be used instead of California mastitis test during and after treatment with honey.
Nahed M. Wahba, Neveen A. EL Nisr, S.M. Sayed, M.R. Abd Ellah, M.M. Abd El-Hafeez and A.A. Aamer, 2011. Intramammary Honey Infusion: A New Trend in the Management of Bovine Subclinical Mastitis. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 2740-2744.