Common Health Problem sand Indigenous Medicinal Practices of Cattle and Goat in Small Scale Farming Systems in Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

A survey was conducted in Rathnapura district in Sabaragamuwa province, Sri Lanka to identify commonly occurring health problems in cattle and goat and to study the various indigenous medicinal practices used. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information from 78 livestock farmers. Data collection was performed by a face to face interview with the farmer by using a standard questionnaire. Data were descriptively analyzed using Minitab 14.0. Diarrhoea was the most prevalence disease in the calves lower than one year of age. Eighty nine percent of the farmers reported that young animals betw eenl-2 years of age are highly susceptible to pneumonia while 79% of farmers reported that it was parasitic infections. Sixty six percent of farmers experienced bloat condition in 2-4 years old animals. Mastitis was the most prevalent disease in cows aged more than 4 years according to the 37% of farmers. Thirty four percent of farmers observed foot and mouth disease in cows of the same age range. Thirty percent of famers only practiced indigenous methods for health problems of the livestock. Different kind of indigenous methods such as charms, branding of different symbols, praying for gods and use of medicinal preparations were practiced to treat the health problems of cattle and goat. Total of 106 plant species were found to be used in indigenous medicinal practices. Indigenous medicinal practices were widely used as treatm ents for internal and external parasite, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, mastitis, foot and mouth disease and snake bites