Suplementação de vacas leiteiras com homeopatia: Células somáticas do leite, cortisol e imunidade

Abstract

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.