Observations concerning the use a biodegradable propolis extract, for metaphylaxis and treatment of podal diseases in dairy cows – preliminary study

Abstract

Propolis is one of the few natural remedies that has maintained its popularity over a long period of time. The pharmacologically active molecules are flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their esters. These components have multiple antimicrobial effects on bacteria, fungi and viruses and in addition, propolis have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory activities, and antitumor activity. The majority of lameness (> 90%) involves the foot and the primary cause of lameness in most herds are confinement on concrete. Footrot, interdigital dermatitis, and digital dermatitis are diseases with an infectious component responsive to antibiotic treatment, particularly when identified early-on in the course of disease. The objective of this study was to identify the most prevalent podal diseases on a dairy herd, and based on well known Propolis properties to investigate the effectiveness of different therapeutic and metaphylactic protocol on podal diseases management(3) . We used a hygiene scoring assessment to determine the therapeutic and methaphylactic protocol in corelation with lamness scoring. Score the manure accumulation on the hoof and leg of the rear feet on a four-point scale where 1=clean, 2=splashes, 3=plaques but hair visible and 4=plaques and no hair visible.The protocol included the podal topical treatment(hoof functional and therapeutic trimming, bandages, medication application completed with footbathing. In herds with fewer than 25% of cows scoring a 3 or 4 score, footbathing can be done as needed. Conversely, where herds are >75% 3 and 4 scores, then footbathing is probably a necessity 7 days per week, as methaphylactic protocol.