1ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Srinagar-190 007, Jammu & Kashmir, India
2ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Palampur-176 061, Himachal Pradesh
3ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003, UP
4ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Srinagar-190 007, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Livestock rearing is an important pursuit in Himalayan region and it plays an important role in the economy of the livestock farmers. According to the 18th livestock census, the estimated livestock population of Kashmir region was 14.517 lakhs of cattle, 15.914 lakhs sheep, 0.211 lakhs buffalo and 2.948 lakhs goat. The different types of plants in Kashmir help in the treatment of various diseases and disorders in different animals which enhances their productivity. The present study was aimed to identify and document the plants used by various pastoral communities in Kashmir Himalaya as ethnoveterinary medicine for treating various livestock ailments. Four field trips were conducted from September, 2012 to October, 2014 in the alpine pastures and several pastoralist groups were randomly selected and information was collected through interviews, focus groups discussions, participant observation, and by administering questionnaires. A total of 50 informants falling in the age group of 40–75 years, familiar with livestock health issues including farmers, shepherds, housewives and herbalists as well, participated in the study. The paper documents 32 plant species belonging to 19 families that are used as a source of herbal remedies by pastoralists. It is observed that scientific investigations should be carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of identified plant species used in primary healthcare of livestock by pastoralists.
Alpine pastures, ethno veterinary plants, Kashmir Himalaya, livestock, pastoral communities
