Dietary plant-based bioactive compounds for sustainable mastitis control in livestock

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Abstract
The increasing antimicrobial resistance among mastitis pathogens necessitates alternative therapeutic approaches in dairy cattle. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of selected plant extracts against both reference and production strains of mastitis-associated microorganisms in vitro, and assessed the in vivo effects of an extruded feed additive (the wormwood-poplar extract additive) containing Artemisia absinthium and Populus balsamifera extracts, on udder health and milk quality in cows with subclinical mastitis. In vitro assays demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity of citrus peel (Citrus spp.) and spruce (Picea abies) extracts against Candida spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant field isolates. The 15-day in vivo trial involving 60 Holstein cows revealed a 68% reduction in somatic cell counts (p = 0.017) following supplementation, achieving compliance with top-grade milk standards without compromising milk composition or sensory attributes. These findings underscore the potential of phytogenic compounds as effective, natural alternatives for mastitis control, promoting sustainable dairy production and reduced antibiotic reliance.

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