Documentation of Plant Species Used in Veterinary Ethnobotany in Plateau State

Ethnoveterinary plant use is a widespread practice among livestock-keeping communities in North Central Nigeria, yet documentation of veterinary ethnobotany in Plateau State is largely absent from the scientific literature. This study documented plant species used by livestock keepers and traditional animal health practitioners in three Local Government Areas of Plateau State: Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Pankshin. Semi-structured questionnaires and participatory interviews were used to collect data from 45 informants, including Fulani herders, settled livestock farmers, and traditional animal doctors. Informant consensus factor was calculated for each plant and disease category. Voucher specimens were collected and identified at the University of Jos Herbarium. A total of 54 plant species from 33 families were documented for veterinary use. Fabaceae was the most commonly represented family (12 species). Conditions most frequently treated included trypanosomiasis, gastrointestinal worms, wounds, and tick infestations. Plants with the highest informant consensus factor values included Khaya senegalensis (trypanosomiasis), Azadirachta indica (ecto-parasites), and Ximenia americana (wound treatment). Bark was the most frequently used plant part (38%), followed by roots (27%) and leaves (24%). Nineteen documented species had existing pharmacological literature supporting veterinary activity. The study concludes that Plateau State possesses a rich ethnoveterinary knowledge base that requires urgent documentation and experimental validation to support sustainable livestock health management in Nigeria's North Central zone.

Keywords: ethnoveterinary, medicinal plants, livestock, Plateau State, traditional animal healthcare