Documentation of Ethno - Veterinary Practices used for Treatments of Different Ailments in Garhwal Himalayan Region

This study aims to document information about ethanobotanical information of plant used by the people for the treatment of livestock in different parts of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. The documentation of biodiversity and its traditional use(s) by the local inhabitant of this region have assumed priority due to the rampant loss of biodiversity, the increasing patent wars on bio-resources. Traditional use of plant and plant resources has a long history in Uttarakhand and its use is rapidly increasing due to having no side effects, easily available at affordable prices and some time only available to the poor especially in remote regions of Garhwal region. The methods employed during the present study were designed with the sole purpose of eliciting the precious wealth of information on the ethno-veterinary uses of medicinal plants by the people of Garhwal region. Field surveys were conducted in the various thickly populated live-stocks rich places of Garhwal region between 2007-11.Key informants were identified after preliminary discussion with the people. Information on ethanobotanical uses of the plants was collected by interviewing key informants of the community using a semi-structured open –ended questionnaire. Usually, the elderly and experienced members of the society, locally known as ‘Vaidyas’,were interviewed.Often,they were accompanied to the field for the identification of plant species used and their preferred habitats. All the relevant information, in particular the mode of preparation, method of use and dosage of each medicinal plant species was recorded. Echno-veterinary practices used by the people are interesting, and have been practiced since long back. In general bleeding, foot and mouth disease, gastrointestinal helminthiasis, mange, myiasis, pain, pediculosis, pneumonia, tick infestation and uterine prolapsed were ten common conditions/ailments of animals for which traditional ethno-veterinary prescriptions are usually being used in the area. The data generated by this study will be helpful for making the maximum and sustainable use of plants as well as animal resources. The disappearance of these practices will not only affect poor villagers and their livestock but also be a permanent loss of our culture, heritage and biodiversity .It is finally hoped that ethno-veterinary practices will be useful to the Department of Animal Husbandry, extension workers, scientists, and policy makers in their efforts towards sustainable livestock farming system and might be able to offer a broader range of animal healthcare options in the different regions of Garhwal Himalaya.