Ethnoveterinary plants and practices used for ecto-parasite control in semi-arid smallholder farming areas of Zimbabwe.
BACKGROUND
The inclusion of traditional plant-based ecto-parasite control methods in primary health care of livestock is increasingly becoming an important intervention for improving livestock productivity in resource-challenged smallholder farming areas. In this study, commonly used plants used for the control of cattle ticks and other pests were identified through a survey in four semi-arid districts of Zimbabwe.


METHODS
A standard structured questionnaire with details of demographics, socioeconomic status of households, livestock parasites, control practices and list of ethnoveterinary plants used was used to interview 233 knowledgeable smallholder farmers in four districts. Focus group discussions with community members further provided insights on how the plants were being used and other issues surrounding ecto-parasite control and indigenous knowledge systems in the study areas.


RESULTS
The older generation (>40 years) of the respondents were knowledgeable about ethnoveterinary plants and practices. Overall, 51 plant species were reportedly effective against cattle ticks and other livestock parasites. The most frequently mentioned plants were in descending order, Cissus quadrangularis (30.1%), Lippia javanica (19.6%), Psydrax livida (14.9%) and Aloe sp (14.9%). Most of the plant materials were prepared by crushing and soaking in water and spraying the extract on animals. Despite the knowledge of these useful pesticidal plants, the preferred animal health care for cattle and other highly ranked livestock species is still the use of commercial acaricides. Cattle dipping services were reported sporadic by 48% of the respondents. Traditional knowledge and plants are considered only as an alternative in the absence of conventional synthetic products.


CONCLUSIONS
Livestock farming communities know of plant species used for livestock ecto-parasite control. The plant species are mostly used to complement commercial products. More work, is required to confirm the acaricidal properties claimed by the farmers in order to optimize and promote sustainable use of these plants.
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, P O Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. nyahangaree@gmail.com.
Emmanuel Tendai
ET
Nyahangare
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, P O Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. mvumibm@hotmail.com.
Brighton Marimanzi
BM
Mvumi
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, P O Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. tmutibvu@gmail.com.
Tonderai
T
Mutibvu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000469:parasitology; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D058751:Livestock / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013984:Tick Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D055815:Young Adult; D015030:Zimbabwe