Ethno-Veterinary Survey On The Traditional Use Of Medicinal Plants With Therapeutic Properties In The North-Western Regions Of Tunisia

Ethno-veterinary medicine is a field that focuses on animal health and production. Currently, there is a growing interest in researching how to preserve ancestral practices and optimize their use. Investigations were carried out with individual respondents and focus groups who use aromatic and medicinal plants in regions of northwestern Tunisia to gain a better knowledge of its use for animal digestibility treatment. The survey aims to identify demographic details including age, gender, education level and origin of knowledge. Additionally, it intends to identify botanical information of medicinal plants, including families, species, organs, preparation and administration methods and diseases treated. The collected data identified 54 plant species from 37 families. The most significant families were Lamiaceae (24%), Asteraceae (23%), Apiaceae (14%), and Ericaceae (10%). The study areas are rich in spontaneous aromatic and medicinal plants, which are used to treat a variety of animal diseases, especially digestive disorders (26%). Leaves are one of the most commonly used organs (41.7%) for treating animal pathologies. They are typically prepared through decoction (33%) and infusion (24%). In Aindrahim, Nefza, Touiref, and Krib regions, farmers use medicinal plants to treat certain pathologies in their animals. To promote ethnoveterinary medicine, it is important to continue researching sustainable, effective, appropriate, and affordable solutions. The article explores the potential benefits of incorporating Lavandula stoechas L., Ocimum forsskaolii Benth, Polypodium vulgare L. and Camomille nobile L. as additives in animal breeding. According to the study, these plants have the ability to enhance animal performance, health and product quality.