Use of Medicinal Plants by Livestock farmers in a Local Municipality in Vhembe District, South Africa

Document Abstract / Summary Overview

Respondents (n = 180) from Mutale municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa, were interviewed so as to assess the factors affecting the use of medicinal herbs in treatment of livestock diseases. A significantly greater proportion of males (79.8%) than females (52.7%) preferred a combination of treatment methods (P < 0.05). A significantly greater proportion of females (36.8%) than males (10.6%) preferred using medicinal herbs only (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportions of males and females using conventional drugs only (P > 0.05). Overall, a significantly greater proportion of respondents between 20-40years old (83.1%) preferred to use a combination of treatment methods (P < 0.05). A significantly greater proportion of the unschooled respondents (46.6%) preferred to use medicinal herbs only (P < 0.05). A significantly greater proportion of the tertiary-schooled respondents (50%), however, preferred to use conventional drugs only (P < 0.05). Parts from Cassia abbreviata and Cissus quadrangularis were the preferred oral treatments for retained placenta, Pterocarpus angolensis and Combretum collinum were the preferred oral treatments for constipation in cattle. Cissus quadrangularis, Dichrostachys cinerea and Ximenia americana were preferred for topical treatment of wounds, Synadenium cupulare for arthritis, Ziziphus mucronata for mastitis, Maytanus eduncularis for fractures and Gossypium herbaceum for blindness in cattle, sheep and goats.