Indigenous Preparation Methods of Medicinal plants Used for the Treatment of Small Ruminant Diseases in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the indigenous preparation methods of herbal medicines used for the treatment of small ruminant diseases in Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 120 small ruminant farmers participated in the study. Data were collected using interview schedule and analyzed using mean and percentages. Results identified retained placenta (82%), pneumonia (82%), foot rot (82%) and helminthosis (81%) as the most prevalent small ruminant diseases in the area. Available medicinal plants included Garcinia kola (93%), Ageratum conyzoides (92%), Costus afer (91%) and Vernonia amygdalina (80%).The result further indicated that many medicinal plants were used in the treatment of more than one small ruminant disease by the farmers. Roots (98%), leaves (98%), juice (93%) and stem (91%) were the commonly used plant parts for the preparation of the medicines. Popular preparation methods among the farmers included squeezing (98%), mixing with palm oil (97%) and pounding (91%). It was concluded that medicinal plants still support rural livestock industry in the state and should therefore be encouraged.

Keywords

• Ethnoveterinary practice, indigenous treatment; medicinal plants; small ruminants; livestock disease, preparation methods.