STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL OF OCIMUM SANCTUM IN SUB CLINICAL MASTITIS IN RATHI CATTLE.

The present investigation was carried out at local veterinary hospitals and LRS, Rathi of College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner where milk samples of 48 quarters from 12 apparently healthy Rathi cows were subjected to various tests viz. modified California mastitis test (MCMT), total somatic cell count (TSCC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and cultural examination for the diagnosis of sub-clinical mastitis. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi). The 12 Rathi cows were divided into two groups with 6 animals in each group viz. Group I powdered O. sanctum @ 600 mg/kg b.wt., Group II aqueous extract of O. sanctum @ 150 mg/kg b.wt. On 8th day post-treatment, there was nonsignificant decrease (p>0.05) in electrical conductivity (EC) in both the groups. There was significant change (p>0.05) in pH in Group I and Group II post-treatment. Similarly, there were significant changes (p<0.05) recorded in Group I and Group II in TSCC values post-treatment. Thus, the results indicated that the aqueous extract of O. sanctum have shown therapeutic potential in treating subclinical mastitis in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]