Ethnoveterinary practices among women of <i>Banaskantha</i> district, Gujarat

Abstract

A survey was conducted for documenting indigenous knowledge used by rural women for animal healthcare in and around Dantiwada taluka of Banaskantha district, Gujarat. Interviews of 200 rural women revealed that an inventory of 43 local practices was used for treating 10 ailments like diarrhea, cold, fever, foot & mouth disease, indigestion, etc., in domestic animals. Different plant parts (i.e., leaves, bark, roots, etc.) and products (i.e., fruits, condiments, spices, etc.), available locally or easily accessible in close vicinity have been used for medicinal purpose. Twenty veterinarian experts on ethnoveterinary practices were engaged for scientific assessment of documented practices. According to experts, a total of 30 practices adopted by locals could be considered useful as it followed scientific basis, however rest 13 were not recommended due to lack of scientific rationale. This and similar studies documenting indigenous knowledge of remedy for animal ailments, may prove helpful in carrying out further scientific research and can lead to popularization of cheaper and more effective ethnoveterinary practices.