Protection of Animal Health through Traditional Use of Plants in the Central Region of Togo, West Africa

Abstract

Background and Aims: Animal health is a major concern in developing countries. This study, in addition to conventional methods, has inventoried, based on indigenous knowledge, the plants used in managing common pathologies in animal production in central Region of Togo. It describes the various uses of these plants and assesses the variation in knowledge among ethnic groups. Methodology: The method used is based primarily on ethnobotanical surveys coupled with direct observations from 141 farmers and traditional healers. The data analysis focuses on the frequency of citations (Fr), use values (VU), usage diversity indices (IDU), specific use importance value indices (IVIsp), and the Sorenson index (IS). Results: In total, 37 plant species were reported in the management of 9 pathologies frequently encountered in animal production. These plants belong to 34 genera and 20 families. The Lamiaceae (12.6%), Meliaceae (11.9%), Euphorbiaceae (12.6%), and Fabaceae (10.7%) are the most represented families. The Importance Value Index (IVIsp) shows that Khaya senegalensis A.Juss, Ocimum americanum L., and Tridax procumbens L. are the most useful species. The formulation of remedies often involves the whole plant (24.5%), leaves (33.7%), barks (22.0%), or fruits (5.0%). Conclusion: Studying plant species traditionally used for veterinary practices from the local flora is potentially useful for isolating natural extracts of phytotherapeutic interest to improve animal well-being in organic agriculture.