F.C. Tuteja1, S.K. Dixit2, S. Kumar1, N.V. Patil1 and J.P. Singh3
1National Research Centre on Camel, Jorbeer, Shivbari, P.B.-07, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan, India.
2Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Tonk-304501, Rajasthan, India
3Regional Research Station, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Bikaner-334004, Rajasthan, India
ABSTRACT
Survey was carried out in thickly camel populated areas in semi arid climatic conditions (Udaipur and Hanumangarh districts) and in arid climatic conditions (Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts) of Rajasthan state of India, to investigate the ethno veterinary methods practiced by the camel owners for the treatment and control of various ailments affecting camels. During a 3 year period (July 2007- June 2010) a total of 410 camel owners including the persons recommending such practices to them were personally contacted and interviewed. These owners were rearing from a minimum of one camel to a maximum of 160 camels. Information concerning the ethno-veterinary practices for the treatment of common disorders of skin (maggot wound, nasal wound, saddle gall, udder lesion, naval infection, mange, thikria i.e. skin candidiasis and other skin infections), digestive tract (anorexia, indigestion, impaction, colic, constipation, diarrhoea, tympany), musculoskeletal system (rheumatism, muscular weakness, kumree i.e. shivering of hind limbs, enhance healing of fracture and deep wounds) and other routine systemic disorders encountered by the farmers for fever, cough, nasal discharge, pneumonia, haemorrhages, mastitis, actinobacillosis, retention of placenta, helminthiasis, ectoparasites, eye infection, sun stroke, utrine prolapse and zeharbad was collected through personal discussions and interviews. Traditional inputs utilised by the camel owners included various plant products, animal products, other natural products and a very few synthetic products. Method of preparation and applications of traditional drugs varied as per the ailment to be treated. Firing remained the last resort by the camel owner, if the animal did not respond to any kind of treatment. Preventive practices adopted by the camel owners included; breeding studs were given red alum, jaggery and mustard oil during breeding season to avoid fatigue and increase libido. Exercise in fresh lactating camels to avoid mastitis and smoke in the sitting area to avoid insect and flies. This traditional knowledge was collated with scientifically validated knowledge concerning any ingredients or active constituents of the ingredients. This collation revealed scientific relevance behind many traditional practices. Predominance of use of a particular therapy varied mainly as per the availability of the product in a particular area. Frequency of use can be correlated with either the effectiveness of a particular therapy or effective transmission of therapeutic knowledge among the farmers.
Key words: Camel, disease, ethno-veterinary, prevention, Rajasthan rangeland, treatment
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