Survey on Ethno-Veterinary Practices of Native Chicken Raisers in Davao Region, Philippines

Abstract

Nine hundred (900) native chicken raisers were surveryed to verify the extent of ethno-veterinary practices in controlling diseases and parasites in Davao Region. In this survey, the author analyzed the extent of traditional medicine usage vis-à-vis that of modern drugs. Twenty four herbal species, 5 ethno remedies, 7 herbal dewormers, 6 herbal insecticides and one method for eliminating fowl mites were documented. Some herbs have multiple medicinal uses and others vary in their dosage and preparation, thus, the need for standardization and validation. Results also reveal that a significant percentage of raisers neither treat (23%) nor deworm (41%) their flock, an indication that some raisers do not consider native chicken production as an economic enterprise but only as a source of food for the family.