Plant Remedies Used for Livestock by Farmers in Southern Senatorial Zone, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Survey of the plant remedies used by livestock farmers in Southern Senatorial Zone of Plateau State was carried out using structured questionnaire. A total of 150 structured questionnaires were distributed to livestock farmers in three selected Local Government Areas of Southern Senatorial zone Plateau State. Of the 150 questionnaires distributed 142 were completed and retrieved. Information obtained from the respondents showed that livestock farmers in the study area are aware of ethno-veterinary remedies and also use them for the management of common livestock diseases. A total of 49 plant species from 11 families used to treat the 23 livestock diseases in the study area were identified. The study revealed that the plants identified are used either singly or in combination with parts of different plants. Based on the plant parts used, the result showed that barks are most frequently used (50.7%), followed by the leaf (40.8%), the seed (35.2%) and root (18.3%). About 85.9% of the plants used in the study area are sourced from the bush. More so, 76.1% are available all year round while 14.1% are used in preserved form and 9.9% are cultivated during the wet season. The plants identified are either used as processed, wet or in dry form. The result showed that greater percentage of the famers keep small ruminants (43.0%), followed by poultry (26.1%) dogs (16.0%), and pigs (4.7%). About 41.0% of the livestock farmers keep animals for income, 26.0% for meat and income, 14.0% for security, 10.0% for meat and 0.1% for income and security.