Indigenous Control Methods for Parasites among Pastoralists Communities in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract The study analyzed the indigenous control methods of livestock parasites by pastoralists’ communities in Adamawa state, Nigeria. Primary data were collected by the use of questionnaire administered to randomly selected 363 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, frequency distribution and regression analysis. Result of the analysis showed that 87.9% of the respondents were above 40 years of age and only 16.5% acquired formal education. About 72% of the respondents owned over 40 heads of cattle, and all (100%) cattle owned by the respondents were affected by at least a parasite. Six parasites were found to be affecting cattle in the study area. The most common parasites in the study area were helminthosis, biting flies and ticks. Eleven indigenous control methods were identified to be practiced by the respondents. The regression result showed that coefficient of age, number of cattle owned and number of cattle affected by parasites were positive and significant at 5% level. Tree felling and bush burning were constraints to utilization of the control methods. The study concluded that indigenous control methods were well established and utilized by the respondents. It is recommended that laws banning bush burning and indiscriminate tree felling be re-enforced in order to preserve indigenous herbs to avert possible extinction. Indigenous knowledge system should be incorporated in the modern teaching of veterinary medicine since the knowledge is well accepted by pastoralists.