Ethnoveterinary Practices Research Articles

Climate Change, Land Use, and the Decline in Traditional Fulani Cattle Practices: Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance in Kwara, Nigeria

This paper presents a case study of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, whose traditional ethnoveterinary practices risk being lost as the country transitions to more intensive and enclosed livestock practices. We use a planetary health framing to make visible the value of indigenous practices that are less damaging to the environment, animal welfare, and human health. Through ethnographic observation, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key stakeholder interviews, we show that the Fulani use a complex system of herbal medicines and traditional herding practices to maintain herd health, and to manage and treat animal disease when it arises. However, their traditions often sit uncomfortably with commercial farming practices. As traditional Fulani grazing lands are eroded, dispossessed Fulani take employment from businessmen farmers. Both parties’ inexperience with shed hygiene, artificial feed, and less environmentally resilient crossbreeds leads to an increased incidence of infectious disease. This, in turn, drives the higher use of antibiotics. There is, thus, a ‘causal chain’ of underlying drivers that lead, through poorer environmental, animal, and human health, to the increased use of antibiotics. The antibiotic resistance that emerges from this chain threatens human health now and in the future. Through a planetary health framing, we advocate for a deeper understanding of the knowledge held by Fulani herdsmen and their traditional ethnoveterinary practices as an alternative to increasing antibiotic use (ABU).

Ethno Veterinary Practices Followed by Attappadi Tribal Farmers of Kerala

Ethno Veterinary Practices Followed by Attappadi Tribal Farmers of Kerala

Adaptation Practices of Dairy Farmers to Climate Change in Coastal Tamil Nadu, India

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the adaptation strategies of dairy farmers in light of climate change in Tamil Nadu. For this research, four out of the 13 coastal districts—Villupuram, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi—were chosen at random. Two blocks were randomly picked from each district for analysis. From each selected block, two villages were randomly identified from the existing villages. Consequently, 16 villages were included in this study. Fifteen dairy farmers were randomly selected from each village, yielding a total of 240 respondents for the research. Data were gathered using a predesigned interview schedule. The information collected was analyzed with suitable statistical tools to interpret the results of this research. It can be concluded that the area studied was primarily populated by crossbred cattle due to their high productivity, and “no distinct alterations of forage in the diet” were observed by fewer than half (48.33%) of the dairy farmers during periods of heat or cold stress. A notable 62.92 percent of dairy farmers did not employ feed additives during these distressing times, opting instead for a feeding strategy that involved “crop residues + unconventional materials” in drought conditions. It emerged that they were compelled to source water from open areas as adequate drinking water was not consistently available during drought periods. The majority of dairy farmers (70.42%) opted for a combination of “consult veterinarian + ethno veterinary practices” for addressing reproductive issues amid extreme weather events.

Ethno veterinary practices for cattle amongst traditional veterinary health care practitioners in palayamkottai, tirunelveli, tamilnadu

In the Palayamkottai, tirunelveli in tamilnadu, people make extensive use of medicinal plants to treat a number of diseases in cattle. The aim of the study was to identify the medicinal plants used to treat various ailments in cattle. Ethno veterinary survey was carried out using questionnaire and individual interviews from June to July 2024 in Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu. The study identified total of 53 plants species divided into 31 families used in the various cattle ailments such as Foot and Mouth Disease, Dysentery, Mastitis, wound, bleeding horns, abscess, to improve milk production, pain and contusion due to trauma in Cattle by traditional veterinary health care practitioners. 16 internal and external applications are prepared by using these species. Species from the Fabaceae, Poaceae and Lamiaceae families are the most widely represented. Leaves, seeds, fruits and roots are the most commonly used parts. The results of the study provided all relevant information, particularly Ingredients, mode of preparation and route of administration.

Phenotypic characterization of the native yaks of Sikkim

Native yaks of Sikkim are reared in a pastoral production system by the tribal Dokpa community for their economic and socio-religious significance. Sikkimese yaks are phenotypically distinguishable from the yaks found in the neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh. Animals are generally black, broad and convex forehead, horizontal ears, curved upward pointing horns and docile temperament. Females have round udder and cylindrical teats. Also, Sikkimese yaks have comparatively shorter body length, lesser heart girth and greater height at withers as compared to Arunachali yaks. Animals are reared in a pastoral production system with characteristic features like seasonal migration, temporary shelters, highland forage grazing and ethno-veterinary practices. However, there are certain threats, which must be countered to ensure the continual existence and sustainability of this valuable germplasm.

Appraisal of Ethno-veterinary practices used for different livestock ailments in rural and periurban areas of Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India

Appraisal of Ethno-veterinary practices used for different livestock ailments in rural and periurban areas of Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India

Ethnoveterinary practices by local people of Raigad district Maharashtra

A field research extensive survey was undertaken during the years 2021-2023. This kind of to learn about medicinal plants advantages. The Palghar district of this study has provided the use of 38 plant species under 35 genera belonging to 28 families. Plant species, local names, families’ usable parts and ethnoveterinary remedies are listed alphabetically. The members of Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae lead with three each, followed by Annonaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Moraceae, and Zingiberaceae with two each and the remaining with one to each. The traditional medicinal practitioners and the local people of the Raigad area of Maharashtra used plants and to cure diarrhoea, dysentery arthritis, eye damage, skin diseases, milk problem, wounds, bone fractures, fever, and other illnesses in animals.

Ethnoveterinary treatment of livestock in Ghana: Cultural importance and consensus on plants used

The traditional free-range system of livestock rearing contributes to the socioeconomic well-being of most rural households in Ghana. The traditional management system exposes livestock to a high disease incidence, but healthcare support for animal production is limited. Ethnoveterinary practice is an integral part of livestock treatment, particularly in rural communities where veterinary services are poor. However, documentation of the plants used for ethnoveterinary treatment of livestock is scant in the country. Given the dearth of information on ethnoveterinary treatment, this study aimed to document the cultural significance and level of agreement of plant species used for treating livestock ailments in the Adaklu district. Ethnoveterinary data were collected from 120 respondents using semi-structured questionnaires. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were used to ascertain the most culturally significant plant species for livestock healing. It was found that 38 plant species were used to treat various livestock ailments. Ethnobotanical indices revealed that Mangifera indica, Elaeis guineensis, Khaya senegalensis, Spondias mombin, and Physalis peruviana were the most culturally significant plant species for treating livestock ailments. Mangifera indica was found to be the most versatile species for treating livestock ailments and had the highest cultural importance (CI). This study reveals the high cultural importance of plants in the Adaklu district to improve livestock healthcare. The perceived efficacy influences the selection and utilization of a resource for folk medicine. The study recommends isolating and characterizing the active compounds in the most culturally significant plants and testing the properties on the medical conditions attributed to these plants.

Ethnoveterinary Study of Medicinal Plants of District Okara, Pakistan

Background: Herbal medicines have long been integral to disease treatment, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, where 84% of the population relies on traditional remedies. The ethnoveterinary practices in District Okara, Punjab, Pakistan, involve the use of medicinal plants for livestock health management. Objective: This study aimed to document and analyze the ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plants in District Okara, focusing on their application in treating livestock and bird diseases. Methods: The study was conducted in District Okara, located between 31º-55’ and 32º-30’ North latitudes and 74º-35’ and 75º-21’ East longitudes. Ethnoveterinary data were collected from 150 local inhabitants through a semi-structured questionnaire during five visits from April to June 2023. Participants included 46 women and 104 men, aged 25-70 years, from diverse occupations such as hakims, merchants, shepherds, nomads, woodcutters, baildaars, instructors, cowmen, farmers, and local healers. The questionnaire gathered detailed information on livestock diseases treated, medicinal plants used, their local names, plant parts utilized, and preparation methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics to summarize demographic characteristics and the usage patterns of medicinal plants. The study adhered to ethical standards as per the Declaration of Helsinki, with verbal consent obtained from all participants. Results: The study identified 60 medicinal plant species from 29 families used to treat livestock ailments. Fabaceae was the largest family, with 8 species, followed by Solanaceae and Apiaceae, each with 5 species. Herbs were the predominant plant habit, comprising 39 species, followed by trees (16 species), shrubs (4 species), and herbaceous vines (1 species). The most frequently used plant parts were leaves, followed by fruits and seeds. The ethnoveterinary practices included the use of Ficus religiosa for foot and mouth disease, Brassica campestris for muscle cramps and heat stress, and Zingiber officinale for oral diseases and fever. Cross-referencing among informants validated the data. Conclusion: This study highlighted the extensive use of medicinal plants in District Okara for livestock health management, with Fabaceae being the most represented family and leaves being the most commonly used plant part. The documentation of these practices underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect these valuable plant resources from threats such as overgrazing, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. Raising awareness among the local population about the importance of medicinal plants is crucial for their preservation and sustainable use.

Oral Administration of Plant formulations to Treat Bone Fractures in Domestic and Pet Animals in Nallamalla Forest Region of Eastern Ghats of India, Andhra Pradesh

Bone fractures in domestic and pet animals were treated with oral administration of Plant formulations in the villages of Nallamalla Forest regions of Eastern Ghats of India, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 37 plant species with therapeutical importance were identified and these species were belonging to 34 genera and 27 families. plant formulations were prepared from these plant species for treating bone fractures. Bone fractures are caused due to accidents and are accompanied by severe pain, swelling and injuries also. In this modern era more than 80% population still depends traditional medicine (Anonymous, 2002). Ethno medicinal / ethano veterinary use of plants is successful criteria in the pharmaceutical industry for searching new therapeutic agents (Cox and Balick, 1994). Various authors studied the ethno veterinary practices in different parts of Andhra Pradesh (Murty and Narasimha Rao, 2012; Lakshminarayana and Narasimha Rao, 2013 a; 2013b; 2013c; 2015a and 2015b). In continuation with our earlier work on external application of medicated poultice for treating bone fractures (Jayanth Babu et al., 2024), we are presenting the oral administration of plant formulations prepared from medicated herbs for treating the bone fractures in domestic animals of the villages in Nallamalla forest region of Andhra Pradesh.

Ethnoveterinary practice of poultry birds in Ilara-mokin, Ondo-state Nigeria

Ethnoveterinary practices are important because they are easily available, inexpensive and effective, especially in rural areas where veterinary services are absent or irregular and expensive. The need to obtain information on ethnoveterinary practice in poultry in Ilara-mokin in Ondo State Nigeria formed the basis of the study. The study investigated the ethnoveterinary practice in poultry in Ilara-mokin, Ondo State Nigeria. Data used were collected from rural poultry farmers in the community using an open ended interview with the use of questionnaire and were analysed by means of simple average and percentages. The study revealed that female dominated 83.3% rural poultry production within age of 36-50 (50%) and no formal education (50%) and were mostly Christians (100%) and traders (55.56%). The ethnoveterinary practice in the study area include medicinal plants, palm oil, fire and so on. Seven medicinal plants belonging to seven families were discovered. The leaves, roots and fruit from the medicinal plants were used for treating poultry diseases. Ten diseases were discovered in poultry birds. Indigenous knowledge of the diseases in poultry birds were recorded. The economy of the state can be improved by increasing the health status of poultry birds.

Ethno-veterinary practices for animal healthcare from Sudhanoti Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Ethno-veterinary practices for animal healthcare from Sudhanoti Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by indigenous and local communities of Dugda District, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

BackgroundEthnoveterinary medicinal plants have been used by the people of Dugda District in the primary health care system to treat various livestock ailments for generations, particularly, in underserved rural areas. However, these ethnoveterinary practices and medicinal plants are dwindling without proper documentation, due to undergoing socio-cultural and environmental changes. Hence, this study aimed at inventory and analysis of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and the associated indigenous and local knowledge used in the treatment of livestock health problems in Dugda District.MethodsData were collected from 378 local inhabitants through semi-structured interviews, 18 focus group discussions with 6 to 8 participants in each couple with participant field observations. Informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL) and relative importance value (RI) were used to evaluate the agreement of informants on ethnoveterinary practices, healing potential of medicinal plants and the most multipurpose species. Using standard taxonomic procedures, voucher specimens were collected, identified and deposited at the National Herbarium of Addis Ababa University.ResultsIn total, 64 medicinal plants of ethnoveterinary uses, belonging to 33 families were reported to treat 37 livestock health problems. Anthrax, inappetence and diarrhoea were said to be the most prevalent veterinary health problems treated by traditional medicinal plants. Family Fabaceae was the most widely reported (7 spp.), followed by Apocynaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae (5 spp. each). Herbs were the dominant life forms (21spp.), followed by shrubs (20 spp.). The most commonly sought plant parts were leaves (55.25%), followed by roots (23.44%). The principal method of preparation was pounding remedial parts (46.85%) and mixing with cold water. The main route of administration was via oral application (72.67%), drenching diseased livestock. Withania somnifera and Kedrostis foetidissima were the most cited medicinal plants with 53 and 43 use reports (URs), respectively. ICF showed that respiratory diseases scored the highest value (0.94), while most of the reported medicinal plants were gastrointestinal agents. RI value analysis revealed that Croton macrostachyus had highest diversity of uses, followed by K. foetidissima and W. somnifera. Ethnoveterinary uses of some medicinal plants such as Phytolacca dodecandra, Calpurnia aurea, Cyphostemma cyphopetalum and Verbascum sinaiticum as prophylaxis against rabies were a new input for ethnoveterinary database.ConclusionThe study revealed that the people of the Dugda District are endowed with rich ethnoveterinary knowledge and medicinal plants. However, ethnoveterinary knowledge associated with medicinal plant species significantly differ (P < 0.05) between general and key informants, young and matured age groups and informants’ educational level. This infers the impact of mode of ethnoveterinary knowledge transfer, literacy, modern education and globalization on ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plant species. And also most of the medicinal plants are found in wild habitats with nearly no conservation attention. Therefore, it is imperative to implement participatory conservation actions for medicinal plants in collaboration with traditional institutions (Gada system). The disparity of ethnoveterinary knowledge could be also minimized through awareness creation among local communities about the knowledge and its revitalization. Furthermore, medicinal plants, which are widely utilized and multipurpose, should be screened for their phytochemicals, pharmacological and toxicological activities to confirm ethnoveterinary uses and for future development of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Abstract Book ICONAHE 2023

The conference was held on November 26-28, 2023 in Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University, Mostaganem, Algeria, which will be organized by pharmacognosy &amp;Api phytotherapy laboratory.&#x0D; The scientific program covered all related aspects of medicinal plants in the following main topics: Using medicinal plants and their extracts in the pharmacological activities, Phytotherapy, Natural products, biological activity and Toxicity, Ethnobotany, and innovative extraction methods, Importance medicinal and environmental socioeconomic medicinal plants at the national and international scale, Apitherapy, Medicinal plant in ethno-veterinary practice and animal nutrition. Participants more than twenty countries met and planned further collaborations each other.

Ethno-veterinary Practices in the Southern Districts in Tamil Nadu, India

The present work deals with the survey of ethno-veterinary medicinal plants used by folk communities of southern districts (Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Tuticorin districts), Tamil Nadu, India. An ethno-veterinary data was collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires from traditional practitioners, farmers, herders, village elders and women’s, from seventeen villages of three districts. These people have their own an ethno-medicine, ethno-veterinary treatment systems of diseases both for human as well as for their livestock. In this study, the common cattle diseases of the area are foot &amp; mouth disease (FMT), anthrax, pneumonia, ectoparasites, diarrhea, etc. The different cattle diseases are listed along with their treatment system. Here as many as twenty-eight (28) medicinal plants belonging to from twenty (20) different families 27 genera were documented which were used by the indigenous communities with their vernacular names, family, plant parts used and animal disease curing property.

An ethnoveterinary study on medicinal plants used by the Bai people in Yunlong County northwest Yunnan, China

BackgroundThe Bai people in Yunlong County, northwest Yunnan, China, have used medicinal plants and traditional remedies for ethnoveterinary practices. The Bai have mastered ethnoveterinary therapeutic methods in livestock breeding since ancient times. The Bai’s traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge is now facing extinction, and their unique ethnoveterinary practices have rarely been recorded. This study documented animal diseases, EMPs, and related traditional knowledge in Yunlong County, China.MethodsEthnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in six villages and townships of Yunlong County between 2021 and 2022. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, participatory observations, and keyperson interviews. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, and the informant consensus factor and use reports (URs) were used to evaluate the current ethnoveterinary practices among the local communities. Information on livestock diseases, medicinal plants, and traditional ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge were also obtained.ResultsA total of 90 plant species belong to 51 families, 84 genera were recorded as being used as EMPs by the Bai people, and Asteraceae plants are most frequently used. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, including 58 men (85.3%) and 10 women (14.7%). The most commonly used EMPs parts included the roots, whole plants, leaves, and stems, and the common livestock diseases identified in this field investigation included trauma and fracture, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, parasitic diseases, miscellaneous, venomous snake bites, reproductive diseases, infectious diseases, skin disease, and urinary diseases. Most of the EMPs are herbs (77.78%). Courtyard is one of the habitats of medicinal plants in Yunlong County.ConclusionTraditional knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicine is related to the local sociocultural characteristics of the Bai. Plants are used in cultural traditions, which, in turn, nourish the plant culture. Cultural diversity and biodiversity are interdependent. This traditional knowledge is at risk of disappearance because of the increasing extension of Western veterinary medicine, lifestyle changes, and mainstream cultural influences. Therefore, it is important to continue research on ethnoveterinary practices.

Study on organic goat production as a tool for sustainability of nomadic pastoralism in north-western Himalayan region, India

Migratory Gaddi sheep and goat constitutes approximately 70% of the total population of small ruminants in Himachal Pradesh, which is in north-western Himalayan region of India. The present investigation was carried out on 32 Gaddi migratory flocks consisting of around 5000 animals (sheep and goat) through structured pre-validated questionnaire to find out scope of nomadic pastoralism for organic goat production. Through cross-sectional surveys, it was found that 100% of breeds reared by the nomads are indigenous in origin, which is well adapted for grazing and browsing in different hilly terrains and topographies. Tethering was not at all practiced among the nomadic flocks of goats. The flocks were herd in corrals during night to prevent predatory loss. The main source of nutrition for goats was rangeland, natural pastures and common property resources. The nomadic goat production system does not substantially compromise the welfare of the animals. Natural suckling and freedom of social behaviour in nomadic flocks are the ethological advantages same as that are required for standards of organic production. Natural breeding is commonly practiced in this nomadic goat production system whereas artificial insemination, embryo transfer and estrus synchronization is unpopular. Ethno-veterinary practices of Gaddi farmers give them an edge over other countries in organic goat production; it can be effective substitute for allopathic medicines but needs to be validated on efficacy and dosage. Exploring and supporting nomadic pastoralism for organic production will help in improving its traceability, meeting consumer satisfaction and sustaining the dwindling nomadic pastoralism.

Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Sarcophyte: a review.

Although medicinal plants have been used by ethnic communities since ancient times to prevent and treat various diseases, only a few have been scientifically documented. Therefore, due to their rare availability and lack of comprehensive scientific information, we reviewed the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of plants within the genus Sarcophyte. To do this, we used specific search terms and phrases to retrieve relevant information from online sources published in English from 2000 to July 2023. The results showed that there are only two plants in the genus Sarcophyte (Sarcophyte sanguinea Sparrm. and Sarcophyte piriei Hutch.), which are traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases, especially cancer, and skin, gastrointestinal, and urinogenital tract ailments in humans, and to cure animals in ethnoveterinary practices. It was noted that 13 secondary metabolites have been isolated from the two plants, the most prominent of which are flavonoids (diinsininol, diinsinin, and naringenin). The antioxidant activity of S. piriei is reported based on the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50: 4.26 ± 0.22μg/mL) and 2 -2'-Azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonate (ABTS) radicals (IC50: 4.62 ± 0.14μg/mL), chelating iron (IC50: 1.82 ± 0.01μg/mL, 3.50 ± 0.09μg/mL), and nitric oxide (IC50: 9.97 ± 0.88μg/mL, 9.09 ± 0.11μg/mL). The methanolic stem extracts of S. piriei possess antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio fluvialis, and Enterococcus avium, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.16 to 0.625mg/mL, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.25 to 5mg/mL. Cytotoxic effects of the extracts from the two plant species were also demonstrated. Sarcophyte piriei possesses therapeutic potential as evidenced by the inhibitory effects of the aqueous rhizome extract on edema (1,000mg/kg) and prostaglandin synthesis (IC50 = 0.2mg/mL). In addition, diinsininol and diinsinin were isolated from S. sanguinea inhibited prostaglandin synthesis (IC50: 9.20µM, 13.14µM) and platelet-activating factor-induced exocytosis. Therefore, based on this review, further scientific research is needed to demystify the links between traditional medicinal uses, various secondary metabolites, and the pharmacology of the two plants.

Environmental Knowledge and Biocultural Memory in Ethnoveterinary Practices, the Case of Mexico

Environmental Knowledge and Biocultural Memory in Ethnoveterinary Practices, the Case of Mexico

Grasses in African ethnoveterinary medicine: Review of their ethnopharmacological properties

Ethnoveterinary practices play an important role in animal health care systems in developing countries. Plant species belonging to the grass or Poaceae family are widely used as ethnoveterinary medicines (EVMs). The present study was aimed at documenting the species of the Poaceae family that are used as EVMs to treat and manage veterinary health disorders. Multiple searches on existing literature on EVMs used in Africa were conducted using online databases such as Scopus, JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, as well as pre-electronic literature sources obtained from the university library. Ethnoveterinary uses of 40 species belonging to 26 genera of the Poaceae family are recorded. Seeds, leaves, whole plants, roots, fruits, and aerial parts are the most used parts, with their usage varying from 9.4% to 65.6%. Most of the species are used to treat gastrointestinal problems, endoparasites, retained placenta, viral infections, respiratory problems, wounds, ectoparasites, bone fractures, and polyarthritis, and are used as appetite stimulants. Species with the highest medicinal applications include Saccharum officinarum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Cynodon dactylon, Oryza sativa, Triticum turgidum, Cenchrus americanus, Megathyrsus maximus, Sorghum bicolor, Hordeum vulgare, and Zea mays. This review highlights the potential of Poaceae species as sources of EVM remedies.