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. 2023 Oct 5:2023:1842870.
doi: 10.1155/2023/1842870. eCollection 2023.

Ethnoveterinary Study of Plant-Based Remedies for Treating Diseases in Small Ruminants in Maputo Province, Mozambique

Filomena M A Barbosa  1 , Aida C Cala  2 , Viktor Sevastyanov  3 , Ernesto Boane  1 , Delfina F Hlashwayo  1
Affiliations

Ethnoveterinary Study of Plant-Based Remedies for Treating Diseases in Small Ruminants in Maputo Province, Mozambique

Filomena M A Barbosa et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. .

Abstract

Small ruminants, particularly goats and sheep, are key livestock species in Mozambique, and their production is mainly undertaken by families. However, small ruminants are often plagued by diseases that can cause considerable economic damage. In this context, traditional remedies, including various plant species, have been widely used to manage these diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the use of plant-based remedies and other treatments for managing diseases in small ruminants in Maputo Province, Mozambique. Data collection involved conducting interviews with 44 small ruminant breeders across 5 districts in Maputo Province to identify the plants and other remedies commonly used for managing diseases in their animals. We identified a total of 38 plant species belonging to 22 families. Among these plants, four were not identified by their scientific name. The most important plants reported were Cissus quadrangularis, Euphorbia kirkii, and Aloe sp., with Cissus quadrangularis being particularly noteworthy as it was frequently cited for the treatment of wounds. The most commonly cited botanical families were Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Asphodelaceae. Interestingly, in addition to plant-based remedies, we also identified other nonplant sources of treatment, such as alkaline batteries, which are commonly used to treat wounds in small ruminants. The use of plants for ethnoveterinary purposes remains prevalent in Maputo province, with older breeders serving as the primary custodians of this traditional knowledge. Efforts should be made to document and share the knowledge of these older breeders, ensuring that it is not lost over time. This preservation of ethnoveterinary knowledge can contribute to sustainable livestock management and support the wellbeing of both rural communities and their animals.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Diseases that mostly affected the animals in the study areas.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage of use of plant parts.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Overall distribution of plant species across different families.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Percentage of plants used for treating different ailments in small ruminants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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