Ethno veterinary Practices in the Management of Goats among Farmers in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on assessing the ethno-veterinary practices in management of goats among farmers in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained with the aid of questionnaire administered to goat farmers. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 100 respondents for this study. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Majority of the respondents were male (90%), and married, while (85%) were between (41 – 50) years and have a low level of education (50%.). About 42% kept their goats on extensive system with flock size of 11-20 goats per farmer. Majority of the respondents agree that tick infection is the commonest disease prevalent in the study area. Majority of respondents use cassia (Senna italic) (75%), citrus lime (citrus aurentifolia) (75%), aloe vera (aloe spp (70%) scent leaf (Occmum grattisium) (72%) and 
bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) (66%) to treat goat diseases. Most of the respondents found this local medication accessible, easy, simple, cheap and affordable. Based on the findings, ethno – veterinary practice can enhance good health and productivity of small ruminants, goat in particular. Therefore, it is recommended that policy makers should formulate policies that would enhance the integration of conventional animal treatment with indigenous (ethno – veterinary) treatment of domestic animals such as goats.