Practices of ethnoveterinary medicine and ethnobotanical knowledge of plants used to treat livestock diseases, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Traditional medical practices have been employed for millennia to keep animal health and the knowledge is passed down orally from generation to generation. It is an integral part of the culture of rural tribal peoples living in Ethiopia. Therefore, to document this indigenous ethnoveterinary practice in the Wolaita Zone of south Ethiopia, a field survey was carried out. Ninety different healers were specifically chosen and questioned based on their proficiency in treating animals with conventional medicine. The ethnobotanical data were examined and compiled using descriptive statistics. It was found that there are 28 different plant families represented by 54 plants that provide therapeutic benefits against a total of 39 livestock illnesses. The majority of plant parts used (49%) in the study sites were leaves and herbs (9). Prepared remedies were administered through nasal, oral, topical/dermal, and ocular routes. Blackleg, bloat, and endoparasites had the highest ICF values, and Withania somnifera was the most potent remedy for treating blackleg. Zingiber officinale had the highest level value (FL = 94%) for treating bloat. Croton macrostachyus was reported to be a well-known plant in the sizable community and even used at the family level for different purposes in addition to their medical value. Stephania abyssinica had the highest mean cultural importance, followed by Pentas shemperina L. The main hazards to medicinal plants in the study district were expansion of agriculture, drought, and construction. Therefore, therapeutic plant conservation is a responsibility of local communities and other responsible organizations.