Ethnobotanical study of endogenous methods used for the treatment of diseases of Somba cattle breed in northen Benin

Abstract

This study aims to identify and catalog the plant species and medicinal plant recipes used in the treatment of bovine Somba diseases in the north of Benin. To this end we realized an ethnobotanical investigation based on semi-structured individual and group interviews, targeting Somba cattle farmers in northern Benin. The results indicate that 37 plant species are used in 45 different recipes for treating diseases of Somba cattle. These recipes are based on different parts or organs, which mainly consist of leaves and barks. Decoction and maceration are the predominant modes of preparation, and the oral route of administration is most used method. These recipes are used to treat 25 different diseases or syndromes, predominantly parasitic diseases. Plant species listed are divided into 29 different botanical families, of wich the most important are the Fabaceae, the Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Asteracea, Euphorbiaceae, and Moraceae. As the most used plant species, they comprise 11 of 37 listed.

Sustainable Management of Animal Genetic Resources to Improve Low-Input Livestock Production: Insights into Local Beninese Cattle Populations

“…The diagnosis and monitoring of livestock diseases are limited, and prevalence data are scarce. The treatment and prevention of disease through vaccination are also deficient, being based mainly on self-medication with medicinal plants or on important quantities of antibiotics and trypanocides [106,107]. According to Dognon et al [106], animals are generally overor underdosed because animal body weights are not correctly estimated and farmers have no expertise in drug usage.…”

“…Such initiatives should be advocated over systematic eradication of herd mobility and fodder cultivation by individual herders, which is hardly feasible in the context of land competition and difficult access to land resources by pastoralists in Benin [165]. Regarding disease prevention and treatment, traditional farming practices should be similarly supported and enhanced by scientific investigations [107]. The improvement of traditional methods for disease control associated with an improvement in the management of animal housing and feeding, as well as the breeding of resistant animals are the most sustainable solutions to avoid drug resistance and guarantee animal food quality [166].…”