Ethnoveterinary Medicine in Si Somdet District, Roi Et Province, Northeastern Thailand: An Alternative Approach to Animal Healthcare

Ethnoveterinary medicine encompasses traditional knowledge and practices local communities employ for animal healthcare. This study investigates ethnoveterinary medicine practices in Si Somdet District, Roi Et Province, Northeastern Thailand, where traditional healing methods remain essential in livestock management. Through interviews with local farmers and traditional healers, we documented a range of plant-based remedies, spiritual healing practices, and indigenous veterinary techniques used to treat common livestock ailments. Two quantitative indices were utilized for data analysis: Use Value (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (Fic). Thirty-two plant species, 32 genera from 23 families, were identified as part of local ethnoveterinary practices. The family Fabaceae was the most represented, and the study revealed an even reliance on both native and introduced species, highlighting a rich diversity of medicinal plant resources. Among the most significant species, based on UV, were Curcuma longa L. (0.33) Zingiber montanum (J. Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. (0.30), and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson (0.28), reflecting their importance in local veterinary care. The results underscore the effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainability of ethnoveterinary medicine as an alternative or complementary approach to modern veterinary medicine. Despite its potential, challenges such as knowledge erosion and the lack of scientific validation remain. This study emphasizes the need for further research to integrate ethnoveterinary medicine with conventional veterinary practices, ensuring the preservation and responsible application of traditional knowledge for sustainable animal healthcare.