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

Abstract

The study examined the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of small ruminant diseases in Imo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 small ruminant farmers for the study. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data were analysed using mean and percentages. Retained placenta (82%), pneumonia (82%), foot rot (82%) and helminthosis (81%) were the common diseases of small ruminants in the area. Available medicinal plants were Garcinia kola (93%), Ageratum conyzoides (92%), Costus afer (91%) and Vernonia amygdalina (80%). Many medicinal plants were used in the treatment of more than one small ruminant disease. Roots (98%), leaves (98%), juice (93%) and stems (91%) were the highly used plant parts for the preparation of the remedies. Squeezing (98%), mixing with palm oil (97%) and pounding (91%) were the highly used preparation methods for herbal remedies by the farmers. The study concluded that medicinal plant species were used for the treatment of small ruminant diseases in the study area. Therefore, the government and other relevant stakeholders should promote the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of small ruminant diseases.