Folk Herbal Veterinary Medicines of Zilberchay Watershed of East Azerbaijan (Iran)

Background & Aim: Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants of Iran are not scientifically well known, but they have been using traditionally especially in rural areas.This study was carried out to identify the Folk Herbal Veterinary Medicines (FHVM) of ZilberChay watershed in east Azerbaijan province in northwest of Iran. Experimental: FHVM plants were identified by collecting plant species from the study area and comparing them with previous studies to identify the plant with FHVM value. Overall, 493 plant species that were belong to 243 genera and 59 families were collected. From those, 42 species belong to 37 genera and 23 families were identified as FHVM. Results: These plants can be used for treatment of different disease and syndromes in livestock, such as internal parasites, mastitis, burns, skin disease, gastrointestinal tract problems, diarrhea, etc. Results showed that most of the FHVM belong to the families including: Fabaceae (14.29%), Asteraceae (14.29%), Apiaceae (7.14%), Poaceae (7.14%), Rosaceae (7.14%), Cupressaceae (4.76%), Lamiaceae(4.76%) and Moraceae (4.76%). Moreover, results showed that chrotypes of identified FHVM belong to IT (Irano-Toranian) with 49.1%, Plur (Plural) with 27.27%, ES (Euro-Siberian) with 18.18 % and M (Mediterranean) regions with 5.45%, respectively. Furthermore, identified FHVM belong to life forms of He (Hemicryptophytes) with 55%; Ph (Phanerophytes) with 26.19%; Th (Therophytes) with 14.28% and Ch (Chamaephytes) with 4.76%, respectively. Recommended applications/industries: Identifying FHVM of ZilberChay and their application in treating domestic animals can give us opportunity to increase our knowledge about FHVM and attempt to conserve the area and its plant species.