Project RELACS – Improving inputs for organic farming. While antibiotics remain necessary treatments against mastitis, their widespread use leads to antibiotic resistance, which constitutes a threat to public health.

Many essential oils have antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties. With the help of an advisor, dairy farmers can test alternative mastitis treatments with essential oils following a common protocol established by RELACS.

The use of essential oils successfully contributes to the healing of mastitis. They can also be used preventively against mild mastitis. Compared to antibiotics, essential oils have a lower ecological impact and are less expensive (8€ for essential oils /18 € for antibiotics – for one treatment). Regarding labour impact, treatments with essential oils increase working time, from 2 days with antibiotics to 7 with essential oils.