ALTERNATE TO ANTIBIOTICS: A NEW APPROACH OF DRY COW MANAGEMENT

40 milking as well as pregnant Surti buffaloes were randomly allotted to four different treatment groups. The animals of group T1 (n=10) were kept as untreated control. The animals of group T2 (n=10) were treated with Mastilep gel (M/s Ayurvet Limited) applied twice daily continuously for 3 days at the time of drying off and before parturition. The animals of group T3 (n=10) were treated with Mastilep gel (M/s Ayurvet Limited) applied twice daily continuously for 5 days at the time of drying off and before parturition. In group T4 animals (n=10), two injections of long acting Enrofloxacin (10mg/kg body wt.) were given intramuscularly with 72 hrs interval at the time of drying off. During the study period the parameters viz. somatic cell count, bacterial culture examination, california mastitis test and milk yield were studied. Analysis of results revealed that Mastilep gel therapy was effective and economical for dry cow therapy. Mastilep gel found safe for usage.