Indigenous Treatment Methods of Small Ruminant Livestock in the Tropics –A Case Study from Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State to establish the indigenous methods for treating small ruminant animals. Simple random approach was employed through questionnaire and interviews to collect information from 60 livestock farmers. The results indicated that the use of local methods of managing and preventing ruminant diseases are indeed effective and reliable. However, it may not be as effective as the scientific method. The farmers generally preferred and had more confidence in their local methods because the materials needed are readily accessible, affordable and easy to employ. Thus, in order to promote use of veterinary services in treating livestock, farmers should be able to afford and access such treatment services like locally treated methods.