The National Innovation Foundation (NIF) has made headlines recently with its development of a poly-herbal medicine, Mastirak Gel, designed to treat mastitis in dairy cattle. An autonomous institute falling under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), NIF focuses on renovating indigenous technologies rooted in farmer’s wisdom.
The Significance of Mastirak Gel
Mastirak Gel plays a critical role in improving the health of the udder, the milk-producing part of dairy cattle. This innovative gel not only reduces inflammation, which is detrimental to the udder, but it also curtails the use of antibiotics, helping to manage the disease in a cost-effective manner. The use of antibiotics in treating infected animals can pose a significant public health hazard, making Mastirak Gel a safer alternative.
Understanding Mastitis
Mastitis or inflammation of the mammary gland, is a common and costly disease among dairy cattle worldwide. Different types of bacteria are responsible for distinct mastitis infections. While antibiotic infusions into the udder usually cure the disease clinically, they often fail to wholly eliminate the bacterial infection.
Causes of Mastitis
Inflammation of the gland can be caused by stress and physical injuries. However, the primary cause of mastitis is the invasion and multiplication of bacteria or other microorganisms including fungi, yeasts, and possibly viruses. These infections set in when these microorganisms penetrate the teat canal and begin to multiply in the mammary gland.
Preventing Mastitis
Key management efforts to prevent new infections focus on reducing the presence of pathogens on the teat end. The most important management practice for preventing transmission of new infections is the use of an effective germicide as a post-milking teat dip.
The Impact of Mastitis
Mastitis can have a significant impact on farm productivity due to a fall in milk quality, which in turn impacts income-generating activities. The disease can reduce milk yields, increase the cost of production, and decrease the value of milk for both liquid consumption and manufacture.
The development of Mastirak Gel by the NIF is a significant step forward in the fight against mastitis. By reducing inflammation and decreasing the need for antibiotic use, this new poly-herbal medicine promises to provide a cost-effective and lesser health hazardous approach to managing this common and costly disease affecting dairy cattle.