Conventional and alternative treatment of mastitis in dairy goats

Abstract

Mastitis, an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland primarily caused by bacterial infections, is one of the most economically significant diseases in dairy goat farming. Despite the global importance of goat breeding, there is a critical lack of medications specifically approved for treating diseases in goats. The limited availability of species-specific veterinary pharmaceuticals has led to the widespread off-label use of cattle medications, raising concerns about their efficacy, safety, and appropriate withdrawal periods for goats, a there are species-specific physiological differences, such as higher somatic cell counts and the tendency for deep-seated infections in goats. This paper compiles the main findings from studies on both conventional and alternative treatments for bacterial mastitis in goats worldwide. Conventional antimicrobial therapies, including intramammary (IMM) and intramuscular (IM) administration, show variable efficacy. Treatment often involves a combination of different antimicrobials, the addition of anti-inflammatory agents, and the use of multiple routes of application (IMM or IM). While homeopathy has not demonstrated significant efficacy in goats, alternative treatments such as phytotherapeutics, bacteriophages, bacteriocins, nanoparticles, and immunotherapeutic approaches offer promising avenues to reduce reliance on antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance. However, research on these alternatives remains limited, particularly in goats, highlighting the urgent need for species-specific studies. Both conventional and alternative treatment protocols hold significant potential for further development in goats but require more rigorous scientific exploration. This study underscores the scarcity of information on products specifically designed for mastitis treatment in goats, as well as the limited research available when compared to dairy cattle. The review emphasizes the importance of developing tailored treatment protocols and advancing research on novel therapies to enhance mastitis management in dairy goats, ensuring sustainable production and safeguarding animal and human health.