Malappuram: Arya Vaidya Sala (AVS), Kottakkal, has entered into a partnership with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to launch a range of Ayurvedic veterinary medicines, marking its entry into the field of animal health.

At a joint press meet in Kottakkal on Saturday, AVS and NDDB announced that the new formulations are designed to enhance livestock health, improve milk yield and quality, and build immunity while reducing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics that contribute to antimicrobial resistance in milk and other animal products.

AVS Managing Trustee Dr PM Varier said this marks the first time since its founding in 1902 that the renowned Ayurvedic institution has formally entered the veterinary sector. "Ayurveda has long had branches for treating animals and even plants. Guided by our founder Vaidyaratnam PS Varier's vision, we have extended our expertise into Animal Ayurveda, developing safe and natural medicines based on classical texts such as the Shalihotra Samhita. These products will help maintain the health of livestock and improve milk production without resorting to excessive antibiotics," he said, adding that successful clinical trials had already been conducted.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding, NDDB will facilitate large-scale field trials of the medicines across its extensive dairy network. NDDB Chairman Dr Meenesh Shah noted that the initiative would offer farmers across India an economical and sustainable alternative for animal healthcare. "We aim to spread awareness among veterinary doctors and livestock supply chains so that these products can be integrated into mainstream practice," he said.

The first batch of products includes Easepart, designed to prevent postpartum complications, Explaca for the expulsion of the placenta, Digact to improve digestion and feed utilisation, Qualimilk to enhance milk quality, and Healmast for the management of subclinical mastitis.

"This collaboration combines the wisdom of Ayurveda with contemporary standards to strengthen dairy productivity and safeguard public health. By encouraging responsible livestock care, we aim to promote sustainable farming practices and reduce the risks of antimicrobial resistance. We will provide awareness among the veterinary doctors and farmers about the products,” AVS Chief Executive Officer K Hari Kumar said.