Abstract

An Ethno-veterinary survey was conducted via a structured questionnaire to generate data on medicinal plants used for the treatment of different disease ailments in sheep within Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Information was collected from 60 indigenous sheep rearers using systematic random sampling with the aid of questionnaires. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics to generate frequencies and percentages. Demographic characteristics of the respondents show that 52% were males while 48% were females, 57% of sheep owners used the semi-intensive system of management while the rest used the intensive system. Major constraints faced by the respondents were diseases, finance, and season of the year as well as the cost of feed. About 50% use local plant remedies to treat sheep diseases, 47% consult veterinary clinics while the rest use other substances such as potassium, maze husk, and vegetable oil. Some of the common plants used for the treatment of sheep diseases in the study area are Acacia nilotica (Bagaruwa), Azadirachta indica (Bedi), Andasonia digitata (Kuka), Boswellia odorata (Hano) and Guiera senegalensis (Sabara). Leaf and stem bark were recorded as the plant parts mostly used in the treatment of various ailments of sheep. Data collected revealed that there are low documentation and limited information on ethno-veterinary knowledge among sheep rearers within Sokoto metropolis. As such, there is a need to improve veterinary services by integrating modern medicine in Sokoto metropolis.