Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
IntroductionThe integration of traditional plant-based methods for controlling ectoparasites in the primary healthcare of livestock is progressively emerging as a crucial intervention to enhance livestock productivity in regions with limited resources, particularly in smallholder farming areas facin...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Veterinary Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1488960/full |
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| author | Confidence Semakane Phaahla Jeremiah Leshweni Shai Vincent Maduna Resoketswe Charlotte Moropeng Solomon Ramagoai Magano |
| author_facet | Confidence Semakane Phaahla Jeremiah Leshweni Shai Vincent Maduna Resoketswe Charlotte Moropeng Solomon Ramagoai Magano |
| author_sort | Confidence Semakane Phaahla |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionThe integration of traditional plant-based methods for controlling ectoparasites in the primary healthcare of livestock is progressively emerging as a crucial intervention to enhance livestock productivity in regions with limited resources, particularly in smallholder farming areas facing resource constraints. In Sekhukhune District, where livestock plays a vital role in rural livelihoods, cattle ticks present a significant challenge to cattle farming. This study aimed to document the ethnoveterinary practices employed by local communities to control cattle ticks, highlighting the use of alternative methods rooted in indigenous knowledge (IK).MethodsData were collected using a purposive sampling method to select traditional livestock keepers, herders, and community elders to uncover the plant-based treatments and management strategies used in tick control. In addition, a semi-structured questionnaire and a guided field survey were employed to collect data.ResultsA total of 250 participants, with an age range from 18 to over 60 years, were recruited. The result revealed that the elder participants, over 60 years of age, were more knowledgeable compared to the youth and adults. Furthermore, 28 plant species with potential acaricidal properties and other methods aimed at controlling cattle tick infestations were documented. Cissus quadrangularis was the most frequently cited species, which was widely distributed throughout the district.ConclusionIn addition, these results are framed within the larger context of sustainability, promoting eco-friendly cattle farming practices in Sekhukhune District while reducing reliance on conventional acaricides. By documenting this ethnoveterinary knowledge, the study contributes to the preservation of indigenous knowledge while advocating for sustainable approaches to livestock health management in rural areas. The study concludes with valuable insights into the selected local community’s traditional methods of managing tick infestations. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of preserving and understanding indigenous knowledge in livestock health management, particularly in regions where conventional veterinary approaches may face challenges. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b1e1d794808649699e18d25c021a072a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2297-1769 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Veterinary Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-b1e1d794808649699e18d25c021a072a2025-01-07T06:46:43ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Veterinary Science2297-17692025-01-011110.3389/fvets.2024.14889601488960Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South AfricaConfidence Semakane Phaahla0Jeremiah Leshweni Shai1Vincent Maduna2Resoketswe Charlotte Moropeng3Solomon Ramagoai Magano4Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South AfricaDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South AfricaDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South AfricaDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South AfricaDepartment of Life and Consumer Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South AfricaIntroductionThe integration of traditional plant-based methods for controlling ectoparasites in the primary healthcare of livestock is progressively emerging as a crucial intervention to enhance livestock productivity in regions with limited resources, particularly in smallholder farming areas facing resource constraints. In Sekhukhune District, where livestock plays a vital role in rural livelihoods, cattle ticks present a significant challenge to cattle farming. This study aimed to document the ethnoveterinary practices employed by local communities to control cattle ticks, highlighting the use of alternative methods rooted in indigenous knowledge (IK).MethodsData were collected using a purposive sampling method to select traditional livestock keepers, herders, and community elders to uncover the plant-based treatments and management strategies used in tick control. In addition, a semi-structured questionnaire and a guided field survey were employed to collect data.ResultsA total of 250 participants, with an age range from 18 to over 60 years, were recruited. The result revealed that the elder participants, over 60 years of age, were more knowledgeable compared to the youth and adults. Furthermore, 28 plant species with potential acaricidal properties and other methods aimed at controlling cattle tick infestations were documented. Cissus quadrangularis was the most frequently cited species, which was widely distributed throughout the district.ConclusionIn addition, these results are framed within the larger context of sustainability, promoting eco-friendly cattle farming practices in Sekhukhune District while reducing reliance on conventional acaricides. By documenting this ethnoveterinary knowledge, the study contributes to the preservation of indigenous knowledge while advocating for sustainable approaches to livestock health management in rural areas. The study concludes with valuable insights into the selected local community’s traditional methods of managing tick infestations. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of preserving and understanding indigenous knowledge in livestock health management, particularly in regions where conventional veterinary approaches may face challenges.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1488960/fullethnoveterinary knowledgeindigenous communitiesherbal acaricidesticksSekhukhune District |
| spellingShingle | Confidence Semakane Phaahla Jeremiah Leshweni Shai Vincent Maduna Resoketswe Charlotte Moropeng Solomon Ramagoai Magano Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa Frontiers in Veterinary Science ethnoveterinary knowledge indigenous communities herbal acaricides ticks Sekhukhune District |
| title | Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa |
| title_full | Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa |
| title_fullStr | Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa |
| title_short | Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa |
| title_sort | documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in sekhukhune district limpopo province south africa |
| topic | ethnoveterinary knowledge indigenous communities herbal acaricides ticks Sekhukhune District |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1488960/full |
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