Bhubaneswar: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Odisha, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has partnered with Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy under the ministry of AYUSH to explore use of homoeopathy in treating domestic animals such as cows, dogs and poultry.The collaboration will roll out three pilot projects — Newcastle disease in poultry, infertility in cattle, and potential anti-cancer effects in dogs. It aims to develop innovative veterinary treatment practices and deliver practical benefits to livestock farmers. The initiative, led by the university’s College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, aims to support farmers with cost-effective and farmer-friendly treatment methods.“Farmers largely depend on modern/allopathic medicines, which often come at higher costs. In contrast, homoeopathic remedies are comparatively inexpensive and can be administered by farmers themselves with basic guidance,” said OUAT vice-chancellor (VC) Pravat Kumar Roul. On Monday, the official statement of OUAT said, “The first project focuses on controlling Newcastle disease in poultry, one of the most widespread and economically damaging viral infections affecting chickens and other birds. The OUAT’s department of veterinary pharmacology and toxicology will evaluate the effectiveness of homoeopathic treatments as a safe and affordable alternative to conventional ways.”The second project addresses infertility issues in cattle, a major concern in dairy farming. Researchers from the department of animal reproduction, gynaecology and obstetrics of the university will investigate the role of homoeopathic medicines in improving reproductive health. The study aims to enhance milk production and increase farmers’ income by resolving infertility-related challenges, said sources.The third project explores the anti-cancer potential of homoeopathic formulations in dogs, particularly for mammary gland tumours. This will evaluate a combination of Thuja occidentalis and carbolic acid through both in vitro and in vivo models. “Researchers hope this could offer an alternative therapeutic pathway while reducing reliance on antibiotics, hormones and conventional cancer treatments,” said the VC. “These projects will be carried out over the next three years, with continuous scientific evaluation of homoeopathic interventions,” said Susen Kumar Panda, dean of college of veterinary science and animal husbandry.He said that the outcomes of this research are expected to contribute significantly to animal health management and create new opportunities for farmers and livestock owners. “The initiative reflects OUAT’s commitment to integrating traditional and modern scientific approaches to address real-world challenges in agriculture and allied sectors,” said the OUAT statement.
