Lactogenic efficacy of Ricinus communis L. 3X and Calcarea carbonica 3X in Jersey crossbred (JX) cows

Abstract

In order to evaluate the lactogenic effect of Ricinus communis L. and Calcarea carbonica in Jersey crossbred cows, a study was conducted at Post Graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences (PGRIAS), Kattupakkam, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai. Eighteen apparently healthy, pluriparous, Jersey crossbred cows within 3 months post-partum were selected for the study and randomly allotted into three groups as Group I (Control), Group II (5 mL of R. communis L.3X P/Oper day for 10 days) and Group III (5 mL of Calcarea carbonica 3X P/Oper day for 10 days). All the selected crossbred cows were maintained under uniform managerial conditions. There was no significant influence (p>0.05) observed in feeding, watering habits, physical and behavioral changes in all the crossbred cows. The mean rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate during different phases of treatment regimens did not significantly differ (p>0.05) in all the groups. The status of conjunctival mucus membrane and vaginal mucus membrane did not show any significant variations (p>0.05) during the entire period of study. The fat, solid not fat and total solid percentage in milk were significantly (p<0.01) increased in cows treated with R. communis L. 3X than the cows treated with Calcarea carbonica 3X. The results demonstrated the potent galactogogue activity of R. communis L. 3X in yielding a good milk promoting response and favorable milk composition which is essential to improve the economic status of the agrarian community. The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic action of the drug needs to be characterized by further studies.