Camel herders are set to receive significant relief as a major research initiative has been approved to tackle mastitis, a disease that severely affects milk production and quality in camels. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research's National Research Centre on Camel, located in Bikaner, has officially received a crucial project approval in this regard to develop innovative therapeutic methods using the animal's own biological components.
Advanced Research Grant Backing
National Research Centre on Camel Director Dr Anil Kumar Poonia explained that the research will be conducted under the Advanced Research Grant of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. The primary objective is to formulate an antibiotic-free treatment for mastitis with the help of camel stem cells. If the research proves successful, it will not only control infection and inflammation but also facilitate the reconstruction of damaged udder tissues, ultimately improving both milk yield and quality.
The Mastitis Challenge for Herders
In arid regions like Rajasthan, camel milk holds immense cultural and economic value. When mastitis strikes, it causes severe swelling and infection in the camel udder, which drastically reduces milk production and lowers quality, causing financial distress to herders. Currently, the disease is primarily treated using antibiotics, but continuous use increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance, making the drugs progressively ineffective. This has pushed researchers to seek safer, antibiotic-free alternatives.
Targeting Infection, Inflammation, and Tissue Repair
Under the project, mesenchymal stem cells will be extracted from various tissues of camels and their characteristics will be studied. In the laboratory, their ability to prevent infection, regulate immune response, and rebuild tissues will be tested. Following this, preclinical trials will be conducted first on smaller animals and then on camels. Blood and milk samples will be analyzed for bacteria, somatic cell count, inflammation, and udder tissue status. The effectiveness of administering stem cells intravenously, directly into the udder, or through both methods will also be evaluated.
Opening New Avenues for Cows and Buffaloes
According to the project scientists, the research will not remain restricted to camels alone. Its successful outcomes could potentially prove useful for treating mastitis in cows and buffaloes in the future. This is expected to provide the dairy industry with a fresh antibiotic-free treatment alternative. NRCC scientists believe that connecting regenerative medicine and stem cell technology with animal husbandry will be a major step toward increasing farmers' income, improving animal health, and ensuring safe milk production.
