Regular Article
The ethnoveterinary knowledge and practice of traditional healers in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

https://doi.org/10.1006/jare.2001.0904Get rights and content

Abstract

A survey was conducted to record ethnoveterinary practices of traditional healers in Qassim region, the largest camel-rearing area in Saudi Arabia. Ethnoveterinarians had extensive knowledge on camel husbandry and physiology and camel diseases, which was reflected in the wealth of terminology on the camel, both in health and disease. Numerous ethnoveterinary procedures were practiced side by side with modern treatment methods. Ethnoveterinarians have acquired vast knowledge on camel diseases and used a variety of plants for treatment. Surgical procedures were practiced to correct fractures or treat wounds and abscesses or to help in cases of dystocia and uterine or vaginal prolapse. The role of ethnoveterinarians as leaders for local development in the delivery of veterinary services to pastoral areas is discussed within light of this and similar studies conducted elsewhere in the world.

References (52)

  • S.A. Abdel Rahim et al.

    Camel production and reproduction in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

    Journal of Arid Environments

    (1994)
  • C. Grigson et al.

    The camel in Arabia: A direct radiocarbone date, calibrated to about 7000 BC

    Journal of Archeological Science

    (1989)
  • V.L. Kumar et al.

    Anti-inflammatory activity of the latex of Calotropis procera

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology

    (1994)
  • B. Abbas

    The Ethnoveterinary Practices of Camel Pastoralists in Butana, Sudan: an Illustrated Monograph

    (1997)
  • B. Abbas et al.

    Calotropis procera feed potential for arid zones

    The Veterinary Record

    (1993)
  • B. Abbas et al.

    Survey of camel raising in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia: herding strategies, productivity and mortality

    Revue D'Elevage et de Medicine Veterinaire des Pays Tropicaux

    (1999)
  • Albadr, A. A. Almeshal, A. I. Tariq, M. Mossa, J. S. Alyahya, M. A. 1985, Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of...
  • O.A. Abdulrahman et al.

    Diseases of camels in Somalia and prospects for better health

    Nomadic Peoples

    (1991)
  • S.E.I. Adam

    The toxicity of Rhazya stricta to sheep

    Veterinary and Human Toxicology

    (1998)
  • S.E.I. Adam

    Experimental Rhazya stricta toxicosis in rats

    Veterinary and Human Toxicology

    (1999)
  • H. Agab et al.

    Epidemiological studies on camel diseases in eastern Sudan

    World Animal Review

    (1999)
  • Al Humaidi, I. A. 1994, The role of rural offices in Saudi village development in Qassim region: an evaluation study,...
  • B.H. Ali et al.

    Phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Rhazya stricta: a review

    Phytotherapy Research

    (2000)
  • W. Allen

    The African Husbandman

    (1965)
  • A.A. Al Qarawi et al.

    A preliminary study of the anthelmithic activity of Calotropis procera latex against Haemonchus contortus infection in Najdi sheep

    Veterinary Research Communications

    (2000)
  • M.A. Al-Yahya et al.

    Saudi Plants: a Phytochemical and Biological Approach

    (1990)
  • Agricultural Statistical Yearbook

    (1999)
  • D.O. Atte

    Indigenous knowledge as a key to local level development

    (1992)
  • L. Boulos

    The Medicinal Plants of North Africa

    (1983)
  • K. Cashman

    Agriculture research centers and indigenous knowledge systems in a world perspective

    (1989)
  • J.L. Cloudsley-Thompson

    Man and the Biology of Arid Zones

    (1977)
  • E.A. El Hag

    Deterrent effects of some botanical products on oviposition of the cow- pea bruchid Callosobrochus maculates

    International Journal of Pest Management

    (2000)
  • E.A. El Hag et al.

    Toxic and growth retarding effects of three plant extracts on Cluex pipiens larvae

    Phytotherapy Research

    (1999)
  • M.A.A. El-Shanawani

    Plants Used in Saudi Traditional Medicine

    (1996)
  • U. Fabietti

    Sedenterization as a means of detribilization: some policies of the Saudi Arabian government towards the nomads

  • Cited by (0)

    View full text