Indigenous livestock production paradigms revisited: Survey of plants of ethnoveterinary importance in southeastern Nigeria

The diversity of plants of ethnoveterinary importance was investigated in southeastern Nigeria. It was found that indigenous farmers and healers utilize 24 plant species in the treatment of common livestock ailments such as diarrhoea, ecto- and endoparasitic infections, retained placenta and dehydration among others. Methods of preparation and administration were found to include direct feeding of the plant parts, drenching with aqueous decoction or direct external application of plant juice on the affected parts. It was concluded that efforts on the development of cheaper veterinary services and imputes in the region should focus more on the abundant indigenous resources such as flora and culture.