Research articles

Morphometrical characterization and structural indices of indigenous Tswana sheep subpopulations in Botswana: a prerequisite towards accurate type classification of indigenous Tswana sheep.

2026-09-07T09:57:52Z

Morphometrical characterization and structural indices of indigenous Tswana sheep subpopulations in Botswana: a prerequisite towards accurate type classification of indigenous Tswana sheep. Bolowe, Monosi Andries; Pelotshweu, Kaelo; Thutwa, Ketshephaone; Monau, Phetogo Ineeleng; Raphaka, Kethusegile; Kgwatalala, Patrick Monametsi This study was conducted to describe indigenous Tswana sheep subpopulations based on morphometric traits and structural indices. Data on qualitative and quantitative traits were made on 1330 sheep of both sexes aged 1–3 years in southern and central AEZ. Fourteen structural indices were calculated from individual animal morphometric trait measurements. The data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System. Tswana sheep subpopulations significantly (p<0.05) varied in coat colour type, head and back profiles while other traits did not differ. Most sheep have a plain coat colour pattern (64.4%), multicoloured (48.5%), with the dominant traits being white skin coats, short fat tails with a thin tip, straight heads and back, semi-pendulous ears and polled. There was sexual dimorphism across subpopulations with rams exhibiting higher morphometric values than ewes, except Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources flock. The National Agricultural Research and Development Institute flock had significantly (p<0.05) higher biometric traits than their counterparts. Structural indices indicated that Tswana sheep are well balanced (body ratio: 1.00), with good thoracic development (>2.1) and rectangular (proportionality: 100). This indicates fitness, good respiratory adaptation and inclination of Tswana sheep towards meat-type aptitude. This study provides information key information for designing genetic improvement and conservation programmes for the sustainable utilization of indigenous sheep. © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Development of eco-friendly bovine hoof gelatin-cellulose films reinforced with Myrothamnus flabellifolius extract, green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) and β-cyclodextrin nanocomposites.

2026-08-28T01:01:06Z

Development of eco-friendly bovine hoof gelatin-cellulose films reinforced with Myrothamnus flabellifolius extract, green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) and β-cyclodextrin nanocomposites. Setlhoka, Modiri D; Motlhanka, Koketso; Mathapa, Baghali G.; Bultosa, Geremew; Nthoiwa, Kereilemang K.; Mmofhe, Kefilwe; Mareko, Molebeledi H. D.; Thema, Force T; Emesu, Pius; Batlhophi, Mpho G. The environmental impact of synthetic polymer and food waste underscores the need to develop sustainable biopolymers for food packaging. This study developed antimicrobial biocomposite films from cow hoof gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose powder, Myrothamnus flabellifolius (MRY) extracts green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ZnO NPs/β-cyclodextrin nanocomposites. The ZnO Nps and ZnO/β-CD nanocomposites were characterised using UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy. These materials were integrated into composite films, where the insoluble cellulose was incorporated as a dispersed phase via high-shear mixing to act as a reinforcing filler, with glycerol as a plasticizer. The films were evaluated for mechanical, swelling behaviour, water solubility, color, light transmittance and antimicrobial properties of key food pathogens. The findings show that ZnO/β-CD nanocomposites enhanced significantly physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of films. Among other performing films, the optimal formulation containing C: gelatin 11% w/v, cellulose 1.5% w/v, glycerol 23% v/v along 1.5% ZnO/β-CD and 5% MRY (C1.5zβ,5e) extract, demonstrated good antimicrobial activity with a mean inhibition zone of 26.54 ± 0.55 mm. Additionally, β-CD complexation improved nanoparticle dispersion and reduced film swelling. The incorporated cellulose contributed to a more compact film structure, improving mechanical integrity of the biocomposite films. Although higher concentrations of MRY extract and glycerol decreased mechanical strength, the optimal film maintained sufficient integrity for packaging applications. The ZnO/β-CD nanocomposite presents an effective strategy for developing antimicrobial packaging. Therefore, the C1.5zβ,5e film can be recommended for active meat packaging and for further evaluation in real food environment. Overall future studies should address issues of higher water solubility of biocomposite films associated with hydrophilic additives. The article is published under Gold Open Access.

Breeding objectives, production systems and trait preferences of indigenous Tswana sheep farmers in Botswana: inputs towards community based breeding programs.

2026-08-28T01:02:29Z

Breeding objectives, production systems and trait preferences of indigenous Tswana sheep farmers in Botswana: inputs towards community based breeding programs. Bolowe, Monosi Andries; Thutwa, Ketshephaone; Monau, Phetogo Ineeleng; Kgwatalala, Patrick Monametsi There is little information on the involvement of farmers as key stakeholders in the design of successful breeding programs that aim to improve indigenous Tswana sheep production. This study used farmers’ participatory approaches to characterise production systems, breeding practices and trait preferences among farmers raising Tswana sheep in Southern and Central agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Botswana. A structured questionnaire was administered to 190 farmers. An index-based system was used to rank farmers’ preferred traits and data collected were analysed using SPSS. Demographic data showed that most Southern agro-ecology farmers were unmarried males, possessed secondary education and primarily relied on salaries/wages as household income source. In Central agro-ecology, most farmers were males, widowed, had primary education and livestock sales were the main source of income. Tswana sheep are either kept in extensive or semi-intensive production systems. Most Tswana sheep are kept in extensive production systems and there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the most preferred production systems across regions. Most farmers prefer using purebred and crossbred Tswana rams from their own flocks for breeding purposes, which mostly is done throughout the year and is uncontrolled. Farmers from Southern agro-ecology cull sheep with small body size and those in Central region cull sheep based on maladaptation. Keeping sheep for income generation through the sale of animals ranked first across AEZ. The highest-ranking trait preferred amongst Southern region farmers was for economic production traits (large-bodied animals) (0.311) whereas in Central region, preference for adaptation traits ranked highest (0.310). These results are key inputs to designing successful and sustainable community-based breeding programs for indigenous sheep in Botswana. The article is published under Green. Hybrid Gold Open Access Publishing

Uncovering inbreeding patterns and adaptive genes in Tswana goats

2026-08-28T01:01:00Z

Uncovering inbreeding patterns and adaptive genes in Tswana goats Chalebgwa, Amantle Bonolo; Monau, Phetogo Ineeleng; Raphaka, Kethusegile; Mdladla-Hadebe, Khanyisile; Kgwatalala, Patrick Monametsi; Nsoso, Shalaulani James The Tswana goat, a key component of Botswana’s livestock, is renowned for its resilience and adaptability to low-resource environments. The objective of this study was to use homozygosity (ROH) and supplementary methods (FST, iHS, xp-EHH, Rsb) to identify selection signatures and inbreeding pattern of the indigenous Tswana goat. A total of 216 goats were used, that is, Tswana (n = 114) from three agroecological regions in Botswana and Boer (n = 102), a reference population from South Africa. After quality control, 216 animals and 49 732 single−nucleotide polymorphisms were available for analysis. Tswana goats exhibited an average ROH length of 2.20 Mb and 85.71 ROH per goat, while Boer goats had longer, fewer ROH, averaging 155.96 Mb and 3.14 ROH per goat. Tswana goats had a lower inbreeding coefficient (FROH = 0.08) compared to Boer goats (FROH = 0.13). Significant ROH hotspots were found on chromosomes 12, 6, and 5 in Tswana goats and on chromosomes 24, 14, 9, 8, and 6 in Boer goats, with 27 annotated genes identified. Multiple selection signature detection methods detected genes such as PUS7L, ADAMTS20, TWF1, PRICKLE1 YAF2 and GXYLTI. Key genes associated with reproductive fitness (ATP12A, RNF17), immune response (IL17D, PARP4), coat colour variation (ADAMTS20), and milk synthesis (TWF1) were highlighted in Tswana goats, reflecting adaptive responses to environmental pressures. The study provides insights into the genetic adaptations and historical breeding of Tswana goat. This knowledge is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies and enhancing the resilience of indigenous goat populations. By prioritising the genetic study of these goats, Botswana can ensure the sustainability of its unique livestock resources, promoting both food security and rural development in the region. Journal Article