An ethnoveterinary study on plants used for in the treatment of livestock diseases in Ayvalık (Balıkesir, Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, the medicinal plants used in the treatment of livestock diseases by the rural people living in Ayvalık district (Balıkesir) were determined. In addition, how and for what purposes these plants are used was investigated. A total of 50 informants such as breeders, shepherds and farmers were selected randomly for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interview, focus group discussions, observation and guided field walk with informants. The collected data were analyzed through RFC, ICF, UV, FL, PPV and FUV. A total of 46 taxa of plants distributed in 44 genera belonging to 25 families were identified as commonly used ethnomedicinal for livestock diseases. The most cited families were Hypericaceae (FUV = 0.7), Oleaceae (FUV = 0.6), Pinaceae (FUV = 0.4) and Amaryllidaceae (FUV = 0.35). The majority of the remedies were prepared from infusion (53.9%). Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (PPV 0.31) and Hypericum perforatum subsp. veronense (UV) was the species most commonly prescribed by local people. The reported ailments were classified into 11 disease categories based on ICF values and the highest number of plant taxa was reported to treat gastrointestinal, lactation, dermatological and parasitic disorders. The results of this study showed that people living in the Ayvalık district are still dependent on medicinal and aromatic plants for animal diseases. The documented plants can serve as a basis for further studies on the region's medicinal plants knowledge and for future phytochemical and pharmacological studies.