American Research Journal of Agriculture

The study examined the indigenous control methods of Helminthosis in cattle by nomadic cattle Fulanis and constraints associated with the use of various methods in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study relied on primary data which were collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to a randomly selected 363 respondents. The collected data were analyzed using percentages, mean, frequency distribution and regression analysis. The result shows that all (100%) the respondents used indigenous herbs in one way or the other in the control Helminthosis in their herds and about 99% used conventional methods. Twelve different type of herbs were identified and found to be in use by the respondents in the study area, namely; Cissampelos owariensis, Balanites aegyptiaca and Khaya senegalensis. Significant relationships were shown between age, marital status and years of experience with the use of indigenous control methods of helminthosis. Indiscriminate felling of trees and concealment of knowledge were among the constraints that inhibit utilization of the control methods. It is concluded that, indigenous methods of helminthosis control had become part and parcel of the respondents and it is rational and easy for herdsmen to practice on their herds. It is concluded that since it has been a tradition and part of life of the nomadic fulanis to use indigenous herbs for the treatment of their animals, the study recommended that laws banning bush burning and indiscriminate tree felling be re- enforced in order to preserve indigenous herbs to avert possible extinction. There is a greater need for change agents and services to be strengthened so as to incorporate the indigenous methods used by the herders.