Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC) is a major cause of morbidity and economic loss in cattle worldwide, driven by a multifactorial etiology involving viral and bacterial pathogens, environmental stress, and immunosuppression. Traditional interventions, including antibiotics and vaccines, remain the mainstay of control; however, their effectiveness is increasingly constrained by antimicrobial resistance, incomplete or short-lived protection, high costs, and management challenges. These gaps underscore the urgent need for alternative or complementary strategies. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants such as garlic (Allium sativum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and neem (Azadirachta indica) demonstrate antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, while essential oils from species like Eucalyptus spp. exhibit strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. In vivo and in vitro studies suggest that such compounds can enhance respiratory health, reduce pathogen load, and strengthen immune responses in cattle. Yet, limitations related to standardization, bioavailability in ruminants, regulatory frameworks, and the lack of large-scale validation hinder their integration into veterinary practice. This review highlights these gaps in current BRDC management and provides new insights into how plant-based therapeutics, when developed as feed additives, preventive tools, or adjuncts to conventional therapies, could reduce antibiotic reliance and improve disease resilience in livestock systems.

To Cite This Article: Alkheraije KA, 2025. Plant-based therapeutics against bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC): emerging alternatives in livestock health management. Pak Vet J, 45(3): 935-946. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.269