Documentation of ethnoveterinary practices used by livestock owners in Shri Maha Shivaratri Cattle Fair, Karauli, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The present study documents ethnoveterinary practices used by livestock owners and traditional healers at the Shri Maha Shivaratri Cattle Fair, Karauli, Rajasthan. Data were collected through field visits, interviews and questionnaires administrated to livestock owners and traditional healers. A total of 25 medicinal plant species belonging to 23 genera and 18 families, were recorded to treat 39 different livestock ailments. The documented plant species were used to treat common cattle ailments such as digestive disorders, respiratory infections, skin diseases, bone fractures, reproductive problems and lactation related issues. This study highlights the relevance of the Indian knowledge system in animal healthcare and aims to document comprehensively the indigenous veterinary practices employed by cattle owners participating in the fair.