Traditional Methods of Livestock Diseases Management Among Herders in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the traditional methods of livestock diseases management among cattle herders in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected by the used of questionnaire administered to randomly selected 363 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using percentages and regression analysis. Result of the analysis showed that 87.9% of the respondents were above 40 years of age and 80% of the respondents had more than 24 years of cattle herding experience. The most common diseases in the study area were foot and mouth disease and diarrhea. Use of herbs (98.3%) and hygiene (98.9%) were the most commonly used control methods. The result of the regression analysis gave R 2 of 96% and it revealed that there was a positive relationship between the coefficient of age, number of cattle owned and number of cattle affected by diseases at 5% level of significance. Deforestation was the major constraint to utilization of control methods. The study concluded that traditional control methods were well established and utilized by the respondents. The research recommended that investigationshould be undertaken by research institutes to ascertain the constituents of the herbs use by the herders and the precise dosage to be use in the treatment of cattle diseases. There is also need for extension workers and services to be strengthened so as to incorporate the traditional methods used by the herders.