An Ethno-Medical Study of Minerals and Biologicals Used for the Treatment of Livestock Diseases in Agasteeswaram Taluk, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The majority of the people who are rearing livestock in Agasteeswaram taluk mostly utilize minerals and biological to treat the ailments of livestock. However this knowledge is perishing due to poor documentation. So this field study is carried out to recover ancient ethno-medical practices by means of semi structured questionnaire and interview among the inhabitants of Agasteeswaram taluk who are rearing livestock. 38 informants aged above 40 years old were interviewed after giving proper explanation about the study in their own language and obtaining informed consent. 8 biological, 9 minerals and mineral oils was reported from the study for the care of different livestock ailments. This study helps to conserve the ethno-medical knowledge of treating livestock ailments. Keywords: Livestock, Ailments, Ethno-medical, Agasteeswaram taluk.