Ethnoveterinary knowledge and practices of livestock farmers in mount kitanglad, bukidnon, southern Philippines

The Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Volume 53, Issue 1, 2016, pp. 10-16 View at publiser English Simborio L.T. 1, Condino M.P. * 1, Maglasang J.D. 1, Ledres L.B. 1, Amoroso V.B. 1 Abstract : Documentation and preservation of the ethnoveterinary medicinal knowledge and practices in many indigenous communities in the Philippines are needed. This study aimed to document the ethnoveterinary medicines (EVM) used by livestock farmers in Mount Kitanglad, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines. Data were collected through interviews, focused group discussions and field visits. A non-experimental validation of EVM was performed to evaluate the potential efficacy of the medicinal materials. The majority of livestock farmers had an understanding of the harmful effects of disease and symptoms and seasonality of disease outbreak. However, they had poor knowledge on disease etiology. Seven EVM, consisting of five plant-based and two mineral-based medicines, were documented for the treatment of different livestock diseases. The medicinal plants reported in the study area include: Areca catechu L., Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R. Br., Mentha piperita L., Smilax bracteata C. Presl and Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. F. and Thomson. Mineral-based medicines namely, soy sauce and mud, were also reported in this study. Majority of the EVM showed a high level of validity. The farmers exhibited knowledge and understanding of traditional animal health care. Further investigations are needed to ascertain the safety and effectiveness of the EVM in treating livestock diseases. Keywords : Ethnoveterinary,Livestock,Medicinal plants,Minerals,Philippines Subject Area : veterinary(all) Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all) Animal Science and Zoology