Investigating the role of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants as complementary medicines in poultry health care
- Author
- Matangira, Thelma S.
- Title
- Investigating the role of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants as complementary medicines in poultry health care
- Abstract
-
This study investigated the role of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants (EVM) as complementary medicines in poultry healthcare within the female-dominated (57.5%) and experienced (46.7% aged 30-49 years) poultry industry of Majuru area, Goromonzi North district, Zimbabwe. Data from 120 respondents, primarily farmers (59.17%) with varying levels of education, revealed that 86% utilize EVM to manage common avian health constraints, with coccidiosis (98% prevalence) being a major concern addressed by the highest number of plant species. The other frequently cited diseases in the study were wounds (85%), coughing (81%), new castle diseases (79%) and the least cited were blindness (6%) and helminthiasis (3%). Twenty-five plant species were identified, with Aloe vera (120) being the most frequently used, primarily prepared by crushing and administered orally (68%). Other frequently pointed plant species were Erythrina abyssinica (94), Lippia javania (81), Albizia adianthifolia (80) and Xinemia Americana (78). Farmers largely perceived EVM as very effective (81.6%), driven by cost (41 respondents) and availability (37 respondents). Several plants, including Moringa oleifera and Capsicum frutescens, show potential for feed additive development. Despite this reliance, challenges including limited scientific evidence and lack of standardization were noted. The study concludes that EVM plays a significant complementary role due to economic and accessibility factors, highlighting the need for scientific validation and standardized practices to optimize their integration with conventional veterinary medicine for improved poultry health and livelihoods in the district.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Medicinal plants
- Poultry health care
- Supervisor
- Mr. TNC. Mangwiro
- Item sets
- Department of Animal Sciences
