Application and field use of Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) in livestock health management in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu: a community-based study

Introduction

Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) refers to the sum of all local knowledge, beliefs, skills, and practices related to animal health and care, developed over generations by communities using their cultural and environmental familiarity (Mathias, 2007) [6] . These practices often include the use of medicinal plants, spiritual therapies, and indigenous surgical techniques that cater to the treatment of common ailments in livestock. EVM forms an integral part of rural life, particularly in India, where approximately 70% of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and livestock (Nair et al., 2020) [7] . The growing concern about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), high cost of commercial veterinary drugs, and reduced accessibility of veterinary services in remote regions has led to renewed global interest in traditional healing practices (WHO, 2015) [14] . Moreover, EVM is considered ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially acceptable, especially among smallholder farmers. In Tamil Nadu, districts like Sivaganga exhibit a robust tradition of ethnoveterinary healing, passed orally from one generation to another and closely tied to community customs and seasonal cycles (Mathialagan, 2020) [5] . Sivaganga District, situated in the southern agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu, is predominantly semi-arid and characterized by rain-fed farming and livestock-based livelihoods. The major livestock species reared include cattle, goats, and poultry. With limited veterinary infrastructure and sporadic availability of allopathic medicine, rural farmers in this region often rely on EVM for managing livestock health (TANUVAS, 2023) [13] .

Commonly used herbs such as neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and turmeric (Curcuma longa) are cultivated in home gardens or collected from the wild, making EVM both accessible and sustainable. This study seeks to document the ethnoveterinary practices employed by rural communities in Sivaganga, assess their perceived effectiveness, and examine the potential for integrating these systems into formal animal healthcare frameworks. By doing so, the study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable livestock development and community empowerment through indigenous knowledge systems.

Methodology 2.1 Study Area

The research was conducted in Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu, a region known for its mixed farming and traditional animal husbandry practices. Four livestock-intensive blocks-Manamadurai, Ilayangudi, Kalayarkoil, and Tirupuvanam-were selected due to their significant dependence on livestock and prevalence of indigenous veterinary knowledge among local farming communities.

Sample Selection

A purposive sampling technique was employed to select a total of 120 livestock farmers (30 from each block). The selection criteria included farmers with a history of using www.extensionjournal.com ethnoveterinary practices, participation in local livestockrelated programs, and willingness to share traditional knowledge. Local extension workers and community leaders assisted in identifying knowledgeable individuals.

Data Collection Methods

mixed-method approach was followed to gather both qualitative and quantitative data.

Data Analysis

The collected data were systematically coded and entered into Microsoft Excel for quantitative analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize responses. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data derived from FGDs and observations. Common themes such as perceived effectiveness, trust in traditional knowledge, and constraints in practice were extracted and interpreted contextually. Photographic evidence and geotagged observations were used to support qualitative findings. In terms of usage frequency, neem, turmeric, aloe vera, betel leaf, and garlic emerged as the five most commonly cited medicinal plants by respondents across all blocks. These were predominantly used due to their multipurpose applicability, ease of access, and proven efficacy in treating a range of ailments. Figure 1 shows the usage frequency of the top five ethnoveterinary medicinal plants among farmers as recorded during FGDs. Turmeric was used in over 60% of cases, primarily for mastitis and wounds, followed by neem (52%), aloe vera (45%), garlic (40%), and betel leaf (36%). This comparative insight from farmers indicates that both systems are valued, but EVM is deeply trusted for day-today management due to affordability and availability.

Results and Discussion

Comparative

Respondents often followed a hybrid approach, using herbal remedies first and resorting to veterinary clinics only if symptoms worsened.

Source of Knowledge and Transmission

Family elders and ancestors 74% KVK/NGO trainings and demos 18% Self-help group members 8% www.extensionjournal.com

These findings confirm that ethnoveterinary knowledge in Sivaganga is still predominantly transferred through oral tradition. The increasing role of institutional training suggests a positive trend toward formalizing and revitalizing EVM practices. Respondents widely appreciated the accessibility, affordability, and cultural alignment of EVM. While limitations exist in treating acute or complex diseases, farmers consistently endorsed EVM as the first line of treatment, reserving allopathy for escalated cases.

Community Perception and Effectiveness

Block-wise Case Observations

• Kalayarkoil Block: A progressive goat farmer regularly uses neem, garlic, and castor oil decoction for deworming. He reported a 60-70% recovery rate in goats within five days of administration. • Manamadurai Block: Women in SHGs prepared turmeric-tulsi paste as an antiseptic for wounds in poultry and calves. These remedies were reported as successful in reducing infection rate post-castration. • Ilayangudi Block: Elderly cattle herders used papaya latex mixed with cumin seeds to successfully expel retained placenta in cows within 12-24 hours postcalving.

• Tirupuvanam

Block: Farmers administered kuppaimeni leaf juice for calf diarrhoea, particularly effective during the monsoon season.

Comparison with Previous Studies:

Findings align with studies by Yadav and Rawat (2021) [15] who reported similar practices in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Singh and Vats (2020) [10] emphasized the growing role of women in EVM practices due to cultural proximity and caregiving roles. Likewise, Sharma and Joshi (2020) stressed the need for validation and recognition of EVM in veterinary education. These parallels underscore the widespread use of EVM across rural India, reinforcing the validity of Sivaganga's practices and indicating potential scalability. The need for a community-driven, yet scientifically supported, integrative livestock health framework is clear. Further discussion on institutionalization of EVM, policy advocacy, and extension support can help bridge traditional knowledge with scientific rigor, paving the way for sustainable livestock development across rural regions.

Constraints Faced

Conclusion

The field evidence from Sivaganga District reveals that ethnoveterinary practices continue to play a critical role in sustainable livestock health management, especially among small and marginal farmers. The reliance on traditional herbs and practices for treating common livestock ailments highlights the cultural strength and ecological soundness of EVM. However, the transition from oral tradition to evidence-based practice is essential for its integration into formal veterinary systems. This study recommends:

• Scientific documentation and validation of widely used herbal remedies • Standardization of dosage and preparation protocols • Training of youth and SHG women on EVM principles • Recognition of EVM in veterinary policy and curricula Such integrative efforts can reduce veterinary care costs, mitigate antimicrobial resistance, enhance rural resilience, and promote culturally rooted sustainable livestock practices.

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