A survey of ethno-veterinary practices adopted in the treatment of diseases or indigenous chickens in Kgatieng district, Botswana

Abstract

A survey questionnaire aimed at collecting knowledge on ethno-veterinary practices used in the treatment of diseases of indigenous chickens in order to lay a foundation for further scientific study and validation was conducted in Kgatleng district, Botswana. A total of 1280 indigenous chickens were found in 100 homesteads visited and the owners interviewed in different villages. The mean flock size was 12.80 ± 6.42 chickens per household. These backyard chickens were mainly kept for domestic consumption. The commonest diseases cited by the farmers were Newcastle disease (NCD), fowl pox and coccidiosis. A large number of the fanners (88%) relied on traditional herbal decoctions, one percent used conventional medicine, five percent combined herbal and conventional medicines for treating sick chickens while seven percent did not use any medication. Aloe marlothii Berger (Flat flowered aloe) and Acacia tortilis subsp heterecautha (Umbrella thorn) were used to treat chickens with NCD and coccidiosis. Other remedies used against NCD included infusions prepared from Casssia abbreviate) (Long tail) and Moraceae spp. (Mulberry) leaves. An aqueous extract of Diospryros lycoides (Red star apple) leaves was used in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Wood ashes of Peltophorum africanum Sonder (Weeping wattle) and Combretum imberbe (Leadwood) mixed with cither paraffin or “used” engine oil was used against fleas, lice and mites. Farmers had confidence in these remedies and considered them to be cheap and effective. Western treatments such as the use of antibiotics and vaccinations were not frequently used. While efforts should be made to conserve indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants to prevent fragmentation or loss, conduction of further studies is imperative in order to validate the presence of bioactive moietics in the decoctions from these plants. Keepers of indigenous chickens should be encouraged to seek veterinary assistance when the chickens arc not well. Also the chickens should be vaccinated against Newcastle disease.