Globally, the potential of indigenous and neglected fruit species is continuously being recognized. In the current study, we explored the uses and benefits of locally available fruit species among the Mapulana people in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. An ethno-botanical survey was conducted using in-depth interviews to record the names of the fruit species, their uses, seasonal availability, and occurrence in three villages, namely, Mokhololine, Motlamogatsane, and Rooiboklaagte B. Forty-one (41) participants aged 23 to 89 years old, identified by community members as knowledgeable on the utilization of fruit species, were interviewed. The frequency of citation (FC), use value (UV), and use report (UR) of the locally sourced fruit species were determined. The study revealed thirty-one (31) indigenous/naturalized plants belonging to 17 families with Anacardiaceae (four species) and Rubiaceae (three species) as the dominant ones. Approximately 48% of the 31 plants had FC of 100%, suggesting their high popularity in the study area. The identified plants had diverse uses that were categorized into six (6) groups and mainly dominated by food (59%) and medicine (34%). Strychnos madagascariensis had the highest (0.56) UV while Berchemia discolor, Parinari capensis, Parinari curatellifolia, and Sclerocarya birrea had the highest (6) URs. Overall, these locally sourced fruit species still play a significant role in the daily lives of the Mapulana people. The identified fruit species have the potential to be considered as alternative sources to meet the dietary requirements and health needs, especially in rural communities.

Respondents (n = 180) from Mutale municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa, were interviewed so as to assess the factors affecting the use of medicinal herbs in treatment of livestock diseases. A significantly greater proportion of males (79.8%) than females (52.7%) preferred a combination of treatment methods (P < 0.05). A significantly greater proportion of females (36.8%) than males (10.6%) preferred using medicinal herbs only (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportions of males and females using conventional drugs only (P > 0.05). Overall, a significantly greater proportion of respondents between 20-40years old (83.1%) preferred to use a combination of treatment methods (P < 0.05). A significantly greater proportion of the unschooled respondents (46.6%) preferred to use medicinal herbs only (P < 0.05). A significantly greater proportion of the tertiary-schooled respondents (50%), however, preferred to use conventional drugs only (P < 0.05). Parts from Cassia abbreviata and Cissus quadrangularis were the preferred oral treatments for retained placenta, Pterocarpus angolensis and Combretum collinum were the preferred oral treatments for constipation in cattle. Cissus quadrangularis, Dichrostachys cinerea and Ximenia americana were preferred for topical treatment of wounds, Synadenium cupulare for arthritis, Ziziphus mucronata for mastitis, Maytanus eduncularis for fractures and Gossypium herbaceum for blindness in cattle, sheep and goats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and diversity of pathogenic bacteria in the environment at a livestock farm in Limpopo Province. Environmental samples were collected from three sampling locations: cattle camp (CC), sheep camp (SHC), and goat camp (GC). Samples were processed and analysed for total bacterial counts in the Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Limpopo, South Africa. Identifications were done with Matrix Assisted Laser Disorption Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectometry (MALDI-TOF MS) using the simplified on plate technique. The colony forming unit formula per gram of environmental sample (CFU/g) was used to determine total bacterial counts. High counts were observed in CC and low counts in SHC for both soil and faecal samples. Bacillus species were the most dominant across the sampling locations for soil samples. Bacillus cereus occurred in 36 samples (33%), however, the frequency of isolation dominated in the CC with (44.4%), GC (22.2%) and SHC (13%). Staphylococcus aureus had the least frequency (2.2%) followed by Listeria monocytogenes (4.4%). In faecal samples, the occurrence and level of contamination with bacterial species varied across sampling locations with Escherichia coli dominating in the CC with 20% frequency, and abscent from SHC and GC.