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

Abstract

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.