Evaluation and Documentation of Homeopathic Nosodes in Organic and Conventional Dairy Production

Evaluation and Documentation of Homeopathic Nosodes in Organic and Conventional Dairy Production

Summary

Organic and conventional dairy farmers have been using homeopathic remedies with limited technical support or evidence of efficacy. Research is lacking that documents the effectiveness of various homeopathic remedies for treatment of animal production health problems. In this research project, the use of homeopathic remedies was evaluated for the treatment and prevention of mastitis in dairy cattle and E. coli calf scours in calves. To the best of our knowledge, this was the largest placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical field trial of nosode efficacy for the prevention of mastitis among dairy cattle.

This project resulted in the improved understanding of alternative health therapies for use in dairy production. Research results were disseminated, and educational programs were provided to farmers, extension educators, and researchers on the efficacy of homeopathy in the treatment and prevention of dairy cattle diseases, with a focus on mastitis.

Objectives
To evaluate homeopathic nosodes in the prevention and treatment of bovine mastitis and calf scours

To compare economics of homeopathic practices and to measure changes in milk quality and yields using homeopathic remedies.

To document the use of homeopathy on Vermont dairy farms.

To facilitate information exchange, both farmer-to-farmer and farmer-to-agricultural professional.

Methods
A placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of homeopathic nosodes for prevention of mastitis and calf scours was initiated in September 1997 with the enrollment of 11 dairy farms, including over 1000 lactating cows and 300 calves. The research was conducted by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, and included the collaboration of the University of Vermont Quality Milk Research Laboratory.

Effect of treatment on mastitis rates was evaluated by bacteriological culture of duplicate quarter milk samples from all cows at various time-points across lactation. Differences between treatment groups in prevalence of all intra-mammary infections (IMI), prevalence of new IMI, rates of clinical mastitis, and spontaneous cure rates of IMI were examined.

Results
No difference in percent of new mammary infections was observed between the nosode treated group and the placebo control group. Sample size for evaluation of the mastitis nosode was sufficient to identify a 25 percent reduction in infections for the treated group. These studies should be considered a starting point for the critical evaluation of alternative therapies used in food animal medicine.
Impacts and Potential Contributions
The use of homeopathy was documented on a number of dairy and livestock production farms over the course of the study and that information has incorporated into a number of articles and resource materials. To facilitate the exchange of information, the Alternatives in Animal Health Conference was held in 1997, 1998, and 1999, bringing in speakers on homeopathy, acupuncture, biodynamics, soil health, feed quality, nutrition, whole-farm management, and the economics of running an organic dairy operation. These conferences were well attended, but it was requested that we offer workshops throughout the year that can be more advanced and focused on a particular topic instead of brushing lightly over many.

In 1998, 1999 and 2000 we organized a number of day-long workshops on homeopathy, understanding your soils, getting more acquainted with natural health products, and using herbs for animal health. These workshops were attended by numerous veterinarians, extension and other resource professionals, and producers, both organic and conventional.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont offers technical support for farmers looking into homeopathy and other natural approaches to animal health. This study has contributed greatly to our ability to offer that expertise. Results of this research have been presented at a number of conferences and professional meetings, and two peer-reviewed journal publications are in preparation. This research has benefited producers in providing some understanding of the potential efficacy of homeopathic treatments for mastitis prevention.

–Reported March 2001

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