Phenological characterization of Mozambican native caprine breeds assessed through morpho-biometric traits and zoometric indices

1 1 Phenological characterization of Mozambican native 2 caprine breeds assessed through morpho-biometric traits 3 and zoometric indices 4 5 6 Deiby T. Culhe 1,2†, Matilde F. Matola 1†, Élio J. R. Muatareque 1, Milton A. Morrombe 3, 7 Matilde A. Manhique 3, Ramos J.Tséu 1, Abílio P. Changule 2*, Maria da G. Taela 2, 8 Custódio G. Bila4,5,6,7 and Manuel Garcia-Herreros8,9 9 10 11 12 1. Department of Animal Production and Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary 13 Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), Maputo 1304, Mozambique. 14 2. Center for Genetic Resources and Animal Assisted Techniques (CRGTRA), 15 Directorate of Animal Science (DCA), Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique 16 (IIAM), Matola 1410, Mozambique. 17 3. Chobela Research Station, Centro Zonal Sul, Agricultural Research Institute of 18 Mozambique (IIAM), Magude 1121, Mozambique. 19 4. Department of Animal and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Eduardo 20 Mondlane University (UEM), Maputo 1304, Mozambique. 21 5. Department of Research and Development, Intermed Mozambique Lda, Maputo 1304, 22 Mozambique. 23 6. Center of Excelence in Agri-Food Systems and Nutrition (CEAFSN) - Eduardo 24 Mondlane University (UEM), Maputo 257, Mozambique. 25 7. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Save University (UniSave), Gaza 26 Delegation, Chongoene 1206, Mozambique. 27 8. National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), Santarém 2005- 28 424, Portugal. 29 9. CIISA-AL4AnimalS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 30 Lisbon, Portugal. 31 *Corresponding Authors 32 E-mail: [email protected] 33 †These authors contributed equally to this work. 34 35 .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 2 36 Abstract 37 This study aimed to characterize the morpho-structural traits of indigenous goats reared at the 38 Chobela Research Station in the Magude District of southern Mozambique. A total of 135 goats 39 were randomly selected, comprising 77 Landim and 60 Pafúri animals. Racial characteristics 40 were assessed through visual inspection, while morphometric traits were measured using a 41 zoometric tape. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were performed at a 5% 42 significance level using SPSS version 27. In terms of racial traits, all Pafúri goats exhibited a 43 convex facial profile, whereas Landim goats showed both convex (57.9%) and concave 44 (42.1%) profiles. Approximately 75% of the goats presented a uniform coat colour. 45 Morphometric comparisons revealed that Landim goats had higher average values for horn 46 length (mean difference, MD: 0.21 cm), withers height (MD: 0.14 cm), and body length (MD: 47 0.24 cm). In contrast, Pafúri goats had greater head length (MD: 0.18 cm), head width (MD: 48 0.11 cm), ear length (MD: 0.09 cm), and thoracic perimeter (MD: 0.26 cm). Regarding 49 zoometric indices, Landim goats recorded higher body (1.71), cephalic (0.31), and thoracic 50 (1.31) index values, while Pafúri goats exhibited a slightly higher proportionality index (0.40). 51 The morpho-structural differences identified between Landim and Pafúri goats demonstrate 52 distinct phenotypic profiles that can support breed characterization. These results provide a 53 valuable baseline for future genetic studies and contribute to conservation and sustainable 54 utilization strategies for indigenous goat populations in Mozambique. 55 Keywords: Goats; Morphometry; Native breeds; Zoometry; Mozambique 56 57 Introduction .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 3 58 Goats (Capra hircus) are among the earliest domesticated livestock species and have supported 59 human livelihoods for over 10,000 years (Zeder, 2017). Their remarkable adaptability enables 60 them to thrive across a wide range of agroecological zones, from arid deserts to tropical forests 61 and highlands (FAO, 2021). Globally, more than 1,000 recognized breeds contribute to diverse 62 production systems, offering meat, milk, fiber, skins, and fulfilling socio-cultural roles (Galal, 63 2020; Haile et al., 2022). 64 In many developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, goats are a cornerstone of 65 smallholder farming systems. They enhance food security, support income diversification, and 66 serve critical functions in traditional ceremonies, dowries, and as a form of insurance against 67 crop failure (Peacock, 2005; Alemayehu et al., 2022). In Mozambique, the goat population has 68 grown steadily over the past decade and is largely composed of indigenous breeds raised under 69 extensive or semi-extensive management systems, characterized by minimal external inputs 70 and limited selective breeding (Mataveia et al., 2019; FAOSTAT, 2023). 71 Despite their socio-economic and cultural significance, the genetic and phenotypic diversity of 72 Mozambique’s indigenous goat populations remains insufficiently documented. Phenotypic 73 characterization, particularly of morphometric and breed-specific traits, is a critical step in the 74 identification, conservation, and improvement of local animal genetic resources (FAO, 2012; 75 Gizaw et al., 2020). Such efforts are fundamental to the development of sustainable breeding 76 programs and the prevention of genetic erosion. 77 Considering the limited phenotypic data available, this study aimed to characterize the morpho- 78 structural traits of two indigenous goat populations Landim and Pafúri reared at the Chobela 79 Zootechnical Station in Magude District, southern Mozambique. It was hypothesized that, 80 despite coexisting in the same environment, the two populations would exhibit distinct morpho- 81 structural profiles reflecting their different genetic backgrounds and adaptive histories. .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 4 82 Materials and methods 83 Ethical statement 84 This research was performed in strict accordance with the recommendations in the legal 85 framework for all Mozambican Public and Private Laboratories and Higher Education 86 Institutions. The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki 87 and following the Code of Ethics for animal experiments as reflected in the ARRIVE guidelines 88 available at https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines/study- 89 design/1a/explanation (accessed on 12 August 2025). This study was approved by the 90 Bioethics Committee for the use of experimental animals at the Eduardo Mondlane, 91 Mozambique (approval date: 20 March 2023, Code Number: CBUAE-112-UEM-MZ). 92 Study location and experimental material 93 This study was conducted at the Chobela Zootechnical Station (CZC) (Figure 1), located in 94 Chobela village, Magude District, southern Mozambique. The district lies between latitudes 95 24°59′20″ S and longitudes 32°45′10″ E, and is bordered by the districts of Chókwè and Bilene- 96 Macia to the north, Moamba to the south, Manhiça to the east, and the Republic of South Africa 97 to the west (Miambo et al., 2019). 98 The area supports both private and communal livestock systems, with the main species being 99 cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, and poultry (primarily indigenous chickens). The climate is classified 100 as dry subtropical (Köppen classification), with average annual temperatures ranging from 22 101 to 24°C and an average annual rainfall of approximately 630 mm. There are two distinct 102 seasons: a hot and rainy season from October to March, which accounts for around 80% of the 103 annual precipitation, and a cooler, dry season from April to September. .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 5 104 The goats were maintained under an extensive production system using natural pasture feeding. 105 For the study, a total of 137 breeding goats were randomly selected, comprising two indigenous 106 populations: 77 Landim (Figure 2A: Female goat. 2B: Male goat) and 60 Pafúri (Figure 3A: 107 Female goat. 2B: Male goat). 108 These two indigenous breeds have been bred at the Experimental Research Station for more 109 than 50 years. Landim goats have short-eared heads that are concave in females and slightly 110 convex in males; horns curve backward in both sexes but are heavier in males. All males and 111 12% of females carry beards. Coats vary in colour (black, white, brown, or spotted), ears are 112 erect, and the hair is short and fine. Bucks sport a short, dense mane along the backline and 113 reach about 45 kg at two years, while does average 35 kg (Morgado, 2002; Garrine et al., 2010; 114 Mataveia et al., 2018; Cambula and Taela, 2020). Pafúri goats display a convex head profile 115 with divergent, well-developed horns in males and smaller, scimitar-shaped horns in females. 116 Ears are medium-length, sometimes trimmed, with rounded tips. Both sexes have beards, a 117 strong, well-set neck, straight back, and well-muscled limbs. Adult males weigh roughly 60 kg 118 and females about 43 kg (Morgado, 2002; Garrine et al., 2010; Mataveia et al., 2018; Cambula 119 and Taela, 2020). 120 The sample included 131 females (74 Landim and 57 Pafúri) and 6 males (3 Landim and 3 121 Pafúri). Animals were selected using a simple random sampling method from the breeding 122 herds maintained at the Chobela Zootechnical Station, ensuring representation of both 123 populations. 124 125 Data collection .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 6 126 Data collection involved both visual assessment and direct physical measurements. Phenotypic 127 characterization included the recording of racial characteristics and linear body measurements 128 (FAO, 2012). 129 Racial characterization 130 Morphometric traits were measured using a standard zoometric measuring tape, following 131 proper physical restraint of each animal to ensure both data accuracy and animal and handler 132 safety. Restraint was carried out gently, typically with the aid of halters or hand-held by trained 133 personnel, to minimize movement and stress during measurement. This procedure aligns with 134 the guidelines recommended by the FAO for the phenotypic characterization of animal genetic 135 resources (FAO, 2012; FAO, 2021). The following linear body measurements were recorded 136 (all in centimeters): Head length, head width, ear length, horn length, withers height, thoracic 137 perimeter and body length. 138 Zoometric indices 139 Zoometric indices were calculated using standard formulas to evaluate somatic development 140 and infer functional conformation (Table 1). The following indices were computed as described 141 by Salako (2006), Pires et al. (2011), Yakubu (2011), (Parés and Casanova, 2015) and Rojas- 142 Espinoza et al. (2023). 143 Table 1: summary of calculated zoometric indices with formula Index Formula Anatomical measures used Body Index (BI) (BL / TP) × 100 Body Length (BL), Thoracic Perimeter (TP) Cephalic Index (CI) (HW / HL) × 100 Head Width (HW), Head Length (HL) Thoracic Index (TI) (WH / TP) × 100 Withers Height (WH), Thoracic Perimeter (TP) Proportionality Index (PI) (WH / BL) × 100 Withers Height (WH), Body Length (BL) Lateral Body Index (LBI) BL / HW Body Length (BL), Head Width (HW) Anamorphosis Index (AI) TP² / WH Thoracic Perimeter (TP), Withers Height (WH) Pelvic Index (PeI) (HW / HL) × 100 Head Width (HW), Head Length (HL) Dactyl-thoracic Index (DTI) (HW / TP) × 100 Head Width (HW), Thoracic Perimeter (TP) Dactyl-costal Index (DCI) (HW / BL) × 100 Head Width (HW), Body Length (BL) .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 7 Transverse Pelvic Index (TPI) (HW / WH) × 100 Head Width (HW), Withers Height (WH) Longitudinal Pelvic Index (LPI) (HL / WH) × 100 Head Length (HL), Withers Height (WH) 144 145 These indices were used to classify the animals according to their body conformation 146 brevilinear, mesolinear, or longilinear and to infer their potential for meat production, 147 particularly regarding compactness, proportionality, and skeletal development. 148 Data analysis 149 The database was systematized in a Microsoft Excel sheet (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, 150 WA, USA). Subsequently, the data were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses to 151 determine the measures of central tendency and dispersion for the respective analysis. The 152 different data from the two breeds and sex of individuals (male and female) were subjected to 153 assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity and then analyzed by one-way ANOVA in 154 order to identify the potential existence of statistical significance. The ANOVA model included 155 the interaction between breed and sex (y = breed + sex + breed*sex + e). Tukey’s test was used 156 to compare means. Finally, Pearson’s correlation was determined to compare pairs of 157 morphometric parameters. All analyses were performed using the R Studio statistical software. 158 The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05). 159 Results 160 Table 2: estimated frequencies and percentages of coat colour variants in Mozambican 161 Indigenous Goat Breeds (Landim and Pafúri) Coat colour Landim Percentage Pafúri Percentage Total Percentage Black 18 24.0% 12 20.0% 30 22.2% Brown (light/dark) 21 28.0% 18 30.0% 39 28.9% White 12 16.0% 10 16.7% 22 16.3% Spotted/Mixed 24 32.0% 20 33.3% 44 32.6% Total 75 100% 60 100% 135 100% .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 8 Distribution of coat colours among Landim and Pafúri goat populations. The data represent frequencies and percentages of animals coats, based on visual assessment. 162 Racial trait characterization 163 Table 3 presents the morphological characteristics observed in the Landim and Pafúri goat 164 populations, focusing on distinct facial profiles, ear orientations, horn traits, beard presence, 165 and coat patterns. 166 167 Table 3: morphological characteristics observed in the Landim and Pafúri goat populations Category Variable Modality Landim (%) Pafúri (%) Head Size Small 28.0 15.0 Medium 42.7 55.0 Large 29.3 30.0 Shape Short 34.7 20.0 Normal 41.3 45.0 Long 24.0 35.0 Profile Concave 42.1 0.0 Straight 0.0 0.0 Convex 57.9 100.0 Beard Presence Present 24.0 36.7 Absent 76.0 63.3 Horns Presence of horns Present 100.0 100.0 Horn size Small 27.0 15.0 Medium 49.0 52.0 Large 24.0 33.0 Horn orientation Curved backward 36.8 17.6 Curved upward 36.8 0.0 Lateral 26.3 82.4 Horn shape Straight 36.8 0.0 Spiral 31.6 82.4 Curved 31.6 17.6 Ears Ear size Small 20.0 10.0 Medium 47.0 58.0 Large 33.0 32.0 Shape Erect 100.0 0.0 Pendulous 0.0 100.0 Position Vertical 92.0 40.0 Horizontal 8.0 60.0 .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 9 Category Variable Modality Landim (%) Pafúri (%) Dorsal Line Presence Present 71.0 85.0 Absent 29.0 15.0 Extremities Type of limbs Muscular 43.0 47.0 Intermediate 35.0 30.0 Fine 22.0 23.0 Coat Hair type Short 70.0 60.0 Medium 25.0 30.0 Long 5.0 10.0 Pattern Simple (uniform) 75.0 75.0 Irregular (spotted) 25.0 25.0 Apparent Weight Body conformation Heavy 22.0 38.0 Intermediate 50.0 47.0 Light 28.0 15.0 168 169 Regarding facial profile, the Landim goats exhibited two distinct types: convex in 57.9% 170 and concave in 42.1% of the animals. In contrast, all Pafúri goats displayed a convex facial 171 profile. Ear orientation differed markedly between the two populations: Landim goats had erect 172 ears, whereas Pafúri goats presented pendulous ears. 173 All goats were horned, although horn length tended to be greater in the Pafúri breed. Among 174 Landim goats, horn orientation was distributed as follows: 36.84% curved backward, 36.84% 175 obliquely upward, and 26.3% laterally. In the Pafúri goats, 82.35% had laterally oriented horns, 176 while 17.64% curved backward. Horn shape also varied between breeds. In the Landim 177 population, 36.84% of animals had straight horns, while spiral and curved shapes were each 178 observed in 31.57% of individuals. In contrast, the Pafúri goats showed a predominance 179 of spiral horns (82.35%) and a minority with curved horns (17.64%). Beard presence was 180 recorded in 55% of the animals, including 18 Landim and 22 Pafúri goats. 181 Coat pattern analysis revealed that 75% of the goats had simple patterns (uniform color), 182 whereas 25% exhibited irregular patterns (e.g., spotting or white markings). Coat color varied 183 widely across individuals and included solid black, light and dark brown, white, and various 184 mottled combinations. .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 10 185 186 Morphometric characterization 187 Seven linear body measurements were recorded in 131 does (74 Landim and 57 Pafúri). No 188 statistically significant differences were observed between the two breeds for any of the 189 morphometric traits (p > 0.05). The mean values (± standard deviation) for each measurement 190 in both populations are presented in table 4. 191 Table 4. Racial characteristics observed in Landim and Pafúri goat populations Landim (cm) Pafúri (cm)Trait Male Female Male Female p-value Head length 17.30 ± 0.70 17.25 ± 0.65 17.44 ± 0.65 17.43 ± 0.75 0.856 Head width 11.11 ± 0.67 11.06 ± 0.57 11.27 ± 0.59 11.17 ± 0.59 0.894 Ear length 13.10 ± 0.60 13.08 ± 0.52 13.27 ± 0.59 13.17 ± 0.49 0.900 Horn length 19.22 ± 0.86 19.21 ± 0.83 19.10 ± 0.84 19.00 ± 0.80 0.856 Withers height 58.68 ± 1.31 58.67 ± 1.20 58.63 ± 1.76 58.53 ± 1.66 0.946 Thoracic perimeter 68.88 ± 1.35 66.94 ± 1.25 67.30 ± 2.17 67.20 ± 2.27 0.924 Body length 68.44 ± 1.74 67.31 ± 1.73 68.17 ± 6.10 67.07 ± 6.11 0.972 Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. TP: Thoracic perimeter; BL: Body length; WH: Withers height; HL: Head length; HW: Head width; HoL: Horn length; EL: Ear length; LI: Length index; TDI: Thoracic development index; TLI: Thoraco-length index. LI = BL / WH × 100; TDI = TP / WH × 100; TLI = TP / BL × 100. Comparisons between breeds were tested using a two-sample t-test. Means with different superscript letters indicate statistically significant differences at p < 0.05. 192 Zoometric indices 193 Zoometric indices were calculated for all 131 does (74 Landim and 57 Pafúri). Although no 194 statistically significant differences were observed between the two breeds (p > 0.05), Landim 195 goats exhibited slightly higher mean values for the body, cephalic, and thoracic indices, 196 suggesting a more compact and robust conformation. In contrast, Pafúri goats showed 197 marginally higher values for the proportionality index, indicating a relatively more elongated 198 body structure. The detailed mean values (± standard deviation) for each index are presented 199 in table 5. .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 11 200 Table 5: Linear morphometric traits in Landim and Pafúri goats Landim PafúriZoometric Index Male Female Male Female p-value Body Index 99.89± 2.28 99.45 ± 3.16 99.76 ± 9.80 99.74 ± 9.73 0.829 Cephalic Index 64.60 ± 3.59 64.10 ± 4.09 63.90 ± 5.28 64.10 ± 4.37 1.000 Thoracic Index 114.10 ± 5.62 114.10 ± 4.72 115.01 ± 5.29 114.81 ± 5.39 0.532 Proportionality Index 89.68 ± 1.86 87.68 ± 2.86 88.15 ± 8.34 87.22 ± 8.33 0.691 Lateral Body Index 6.09 ± 0.45 6.09 ± 0.37 6.09 ± 0.41 5.99 ± 0.34 0.174 Anamorphosis Index 77.43 ± 3.88 76.40 ± 4.28 78.45 ± 5.60 78.28 ± 5.56 0.108 Pelvic Index 63.12 ± 4.21 64.12 ± 3.89 64.06 ± 4.20 64.06 ± 4.18 0.948 Dactyl-thoracic Index 17.49 ± 1.17 16.52 ± 1.11 16.51 ± 1.12 16.41 ± 1.09 0.606 Dactyl-costal Index 16.45 ± 1.20 16.43 ± 1.10 16.26 ± 1.14 16.24 ± 1.04 0.392 Transverse Pelvic Index 18.90 ± 1.42 18.85 ± 1.39 18.96 ± 1.54 18.93 ± 1.34 0.778 Longitudinal Pelvic Index 30.40 ± 2.30 29.40 ± 2.02 29.75 ± 2.18 29.70 ± 2.08 0.396 Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. TP: Thoracic perimeter; BL: Body length; WH: Withers height; HL: Head length; HW: Head width. Body Index = TP / BL × 100; Cephalic Index = HW / HL × 100; Thoracic Index = TP / WH × 100; Proportionality Index = WH / BL × 100; Lateral Body Index = BL / HW; Anamorphosis Index = TP² / WH; Pelvic Index = HW / HL × 100; Dactyl-thoracic Index = HW / TP × 100; Dactyl-costal Index = HW / BL × 100; Transverse Pelvic Index = HW / WH × 100; Longitudinal Pelvic Index = HL / WH × 100. Means with different superscript letters indicate statistically significant differences at p < 0.05. 201 202 Based on standard classification thresholds, Landim goats were classified as mesolinear, 203 while Pafúri goats fell within the brevilinear category. Despite the small differences in average 204 index values, the high variation observed in body indices and the lower variation in other 205 indices suggest some degree of phenotypic overlap between the two populations. 206 Discussion 207 This study was grounded in the assumption that, although raised under similar environmental 208 and management conditions, the Landim and Pafúri goat populations would exhibit morpho- 209 structural differences stemming from their distinct genetic backgrounds and adaptive 210 trajectories. However, the findings revealed a high degree of similarity between the two groups, 211 particularly in morphometric traits, for which no statistically significant differences were 212 detected. 213 Nevertheless, certain trends in racial and structural attributes suggest some level of 214 differentiation. For instance, all Pafúri goats displayed a convex facial profile, while Landim 215 goats exhibited a broader range of horn orientations and shapes. Although these differences are .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 12 216 subtle, they may reflect specific adaptive features or varying histories of crossbreeding. The 217 absence of marked morphometric divergence between the populations likely indicates 218 considerable phenotypic overlap an outcome that may be attributed to widespread uncontrolled 219 mating and the absence of structured breeding programs. These results highlight the limitations 220 of relying solely on phenotypic characterization to distinguish local breeds, particularly in low- 221 input systems with minimal reproductive control. 222 The phenotypic variation observed in Landim and Pafúri goats reflects the richness and 223 complexity of indigenous goat populations in Mozambique. The presence of multiple horn 224 orientations and diverse coat patterns among Landim goats suggests substantial intra-breed 225 variability, likely resulting from unregulated mating practices and limited genetic isolation. 226 This finding is consistent with previous reports that attribute weak breed boundaries in many 227 African goat populations to communal grazing systems and uncontrolled 228 reproduction (Mekuriaw et al., 2021; Haile et al., 2022). In contrast, the uniform convex facial 229 profile and predominance of spiral-shaped horns in Pafúri goats align with their known lineage 230 as a crossbreed between Boer bucks and indigenous does (Cumbula and Taela, 2020). 231 However, the lack of marked phenotypic differentiation between the two breeds in this study 232 may indicate ongoing gene flow and the absence of structured selection programs a concern 233 similarly raised in phenotypic assessments of indigenous goat populations across Eastern and 234 Southern Africa (Gizaw et al., 2020; Alemayehu et al., 2022). 235 236 The absence of statistically significant differences in linear body measurements between the 237 two breeds suggests a high degree of morphological overlap. Nevertheless, trends in trait 238 dominance such as greater horn length and withers height in Landim goats, and broader heads 239 and larger thoracic perimeters in Pafúri goats may reflect adaptive features shaped by 240 ecological niches and local selection pressures (Galal et al., 2020; Tadesse et al., 2022). .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 13 241 This morphometric stability in adult animals is expected, as body measurements tend to plateau 242 after reaching maturity, reflecting the combined effects of genetic potential and environmental 243 adaptation (Fajemilehin and Salako, 2008). Still, even subtle differences in specific traits may 244 hold functional or adaptive significance in local production systems and should be integrated 245 into community-based selection programs (Kosgey et al., 2006; Haile et al., 2019). 246 Zoometric indices are valuable tools for assessing animal conformation and inferring 247 production potential. In the present study, Landim goats exhibited higher values for the body, 248 cephalic, and thoracic indices, while Pafúri goats showed slightly higher values for 249 the proportionality index. These findings support the classification of Landim goats 250 as mesolinear and Pafúri goats as brevilinear, indicating moderate and compact body frames, 251 respectively both conformations being suitable for meat production (Sanudo, 2009; Getaneh et 252 al., 2022). 253 While such indices are useful for comparative assessments, the high degree of morphological 254 similarity observed between the two populations suggests that morphometric data alone may 255 be insufficient for robust breed differentiation. Recent studies emphasize the need to integrate 256 morphometric, genomic, and environmental data for a comprehensive characterization and 257 sustainable management of indigenous livestock breeds (FAO, 2021; Leroy et al., 2022). 258 Uncontrolled mating systems remain a major constraint for breed conservation in low-input 259 livestock systems. In such contexts, genetic erosion is accelerated by the absence of mating 260 control and structured breeding strategies (Mwacharo et al., 2017; Gicheha et al., 2023). 261 262 263 Conclusion .CC-BY 4.0 International licensemade available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprintthis version posted August 20, 2025. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670476doi: bioRxiv preprint 14 264 This study characterized Landim and Pafúri goat ecotypes based on phenotypic traits and linear 265 body measurements under extensive conditions at the Chobela Zootechnical Station. Both 266 ecotypes exhibited distinct racial characteristics and were classified as mesolinear, indicating 267 moderate body frames with slight meat aptitude. These results provide a phenotypic baseline 268 to support conservation and improvement efforts for indigenous goat populations in 269 Mozambique. 270 Acknowledgement 271 The authors are grateful for the support provided by the Agricultural Research Institute of 272 Mozambque (IIAM-CZS) and all staff involved. 273 References 274 1 D Cumbula and M Taela 2020 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 482 012045 275 2 FAO. (2012). Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources. FAO Animal 276 Production and Health Guidelines No. 11. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization 277 of the United Nations. 278 3 FAO. (2015). The second report on the state of the world’s animal genetic resources 279 for food and agriculture (B. D. Scherf & D. Pilling, Eds.). Rome: Food and Agriculture 280 Organization of the United Nations. 281 4 FAO. (2021). Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources. FAO Animal 282 Production and Health Guidelines No. 11 (Rev. 1). 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