Bridging knowledge and practice: Management record-keeping and herbal formulations as tools to enhance small ruminant productivity in smallholder systems

Abstract

Smallholder livestock systems continue to have comparatively low small ruminant production, mostly as a result of poor livestock management, poor livestock health control, and non-data-based decision-making. Minimal livestock management records and a dependence on customs that are infrequently thoroughly assessed make the issue worse. However, two strategies that could practically and sustainably boost production efficiency are management records and the use of herbal formulations, especially in the setting of small-scale livestock farming with limited resources. This review article aimed to comprehensively examine the role of livestock management records and herbal formulations in increasing small ruminant productivity in smallholder livestock systems. The study's findings suggest that more quantifiable monitoring of livestock health, reproduction, and production performance can be supported by straightforward but consistent management records. According to reports, herbal formulations have the potential to promote animal health by acting as immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiparasitic agents. Combining these two methods promotes more logical decision-making at the farmer level and enables a more objective assessment of the efficacy of herbal-based interventions. The synergy of management records and herbal formulations can be an adaptive technique for raising the production of small ruminants, as this review highlights. When developing evidence-based and long-lasting smallholder livestock interventions, these findings have significant ramifications for livestock producers, extension agents, and policymakers.