The effect of supplementing a homeopathic combination on milk somatic cell count (SCC), blood cortisol content and the antibody response to rabies vaccination of dairy cows was evaluated. Thirty-two lactating Holstein cows were paired blocked and randomly assigned to one of two treatments for 63 days, following a 14-day standardization period. The SCC measured at the end of standardization period adjusted weekly SCC values in the statistical analysis model. Treatments were: 150 grams of a homeopathic combination (Hypothalamus, 10-30; Colibacilinum, 10-30; Streptococcus Beta Hemolyticum, 10-60, Streptococcus Uberis, 10-60; Phytolacca, 10-60; Calcium Phosphoricum, 10-30; Natrum Muriaticum, 10-60; Urtica Urens, 10-30, Silicea Terra, 10-400) in mineral vehicle, or 150 grams of the same mineral vehicle (Control). Homeopathy tended to increase SCC from 124 to 222 x1,000 cells mL-1 (P=0.09) and linear SCC (P=0.08). There were no detectable treatment effects upon serum cortisol concentration following stress induced by percutaneous aspiration of the ventral rumen (P=0.59) and upon serum antibody title in response to rabies vaccination (P=0.40). The supplementation with homeopathy tented to increase the SCC of low SCC cows.
dairy cattle; mastitis; stress; homeopathic combination
