Indigenous medicinal uses, toxicity, and chemical composition of browsing plant used by camel in Ethiopia Somali Regional State: a survey

• Published in: Tropical animal health and production 2020-05, Vol.52 (3), p.1459-1466
• Main Authors: Gebeyew, Kefyalew, Abera, Bosenu, Bajigo, Aklilu, Gebresilassie, Gebremedhin, Martínez, Yordan, Adebowale, Tolulope
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Animal Feed; Animals; Bark; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Browsing; Camelidae; Camels; Camelus - physiology; Chemical composition; Dry matter; Economic impact; Ethiopia; Female; Focus Groups; Herbal medicine; Humans; Indigenous plants; Life Sciences; Male; Medicinal plants; Medicine, Traditional; Middle Aged; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Plants, Medicinal; Poisonous species; Polls & surveys; Rainy season; Regular Articles; Seasons; Toxicity; Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Science; Young Adult; Zoology
• ISSN: 0049-4747; 1573-7438
• DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-02152-1

Camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) have access to different browsing plant that is a major source of feed and therapeutic value but also has the potential to cause poisoning to the camel. A survey was conducted between July and September 2017 to generate information on medicinal uses, toxicity, and chemical composition of major browsing plant in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. A total of 150 respondents were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and supplementary information was gathered through field observation and focus group discussions. The study showed 13 medicinal plants as being used by the respondents for the treatment of various camel ailments. The common part of the plant used to treat various aliment was leaves followed by root and bark. Dermal was the preferred route of remedy application followed by oral. The respondents identified 10 major toxic browsing plants. Those plants affect camels mainly in the dry and early rainy seasons when feed supply is scarce. Yet, poisonous browsing plants were the bottleneck problem and a major cause of economic loss in camel production in all study districts despite controlling poisonous plants through the indigenous approach. In total, 12 browse plants relished by camels were subjected to the chemical composition analysis. Laboratory result shown the chemical composition of browsing plants relished by camels has disparity except for the dry matter, and they have moderate crude protein content. Hence, the present study implies that the identified medicinal and preferred browsing plants have a significant contribution in supporting camel production in the pastoral area, but the emphasis should be given to reduce/eradicate poisonous plants that cause acute illness and death of camel.