The empirical evidences indicate the partial or non- adoption of innovations resulting wide gap between potential yield and actual yield. The fact is that the farmers usually compare the advantage of any innovation with traditional practices for adoption. But the traditional wisdom has not been given due importance while advocating any improved practices for farmers. A study was conducted to document the traditional livestock treatment practices prevailing among farmers. The 84 respondents were selected from 4 villages of two blocks of Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. Out of these 84 respondents, only 29 respondents indicated in the course of interview that they followed traditional treatment practices for their ailing livestock. There were eighteen most common diseases which were prevalent in the area and for which some indigenous practices were followed. The study revealed that most of the practices followed to treat the ailing animals lack scientific backing. Farmers might be practising these methods due to their ignorance or due to unavailability of affordable livestock treatment at their disposal. There is a need to educate the farmers about the scientific treatment practices and bed effect of some of traditional practices. The indigenous ingredients used by the farmers to treat their animals should be tested in the laboratory to know their therapeutic value.

Keyword: Traditional Practices, Livestock, Diseases, Farmers Wisdom