Abstract

Morphological studies were conducted on the Humerus of 60 clinically healthy animals (30 Bari goat and 30 Dumbi sheep) of both sexes, slaughtered at Tandojam and Tando Allahyar abattoirs. For comparative study, animals were divided in three age groups viz., lambs/kids (6-9 months), yearlings (13-21 months) and adult (21-24 months). The estimated age was determined through dental formula, whereas, the body weight was obtained using spring balance. For collection and preparation of specimen standard procedures were adopted. The weight (Mean± SEM) of right and left humerus of three age groups of Bari goat and Dumbi sheep is found to be 26.66±0.23, 34.06±0.33, 46.44±0.44, 31.29±0.83, 47.20±1.27, 53.62±0.66, 26.54±0.34g, 34.87±0.40, 46.47±2.64, 31.32±0.83, 47.56±0.60 and 53.57±0.53 g, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant difference (p<0.05) between the kid/lamb and yearling groups but no significant difference between adult groups of both species. It is further revealed that the bones of sheep are generally heavier than goat. The mean ± SEM length of right and left humerus from three age groups of goat and sheep calculated as 11.51±0.92, 13.77±0.08, 16.61±0.11, 10.08±0.15, 12.93±0.13 and 14.63±0.12cm, respectively. The statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference (P<0.01) between kid/lamb and yearling groups, but no statistical difference (p>0.05) in between and among the adult groups of both species. The Bari goat possess relatively longer humerus than those of the Dumbi sheep. Mean values for breadth of proximal end (Bpe), breadth of distal end (Bde) and circumference of right and left humerus from three age groups of Bari goat and Dumbi sheep showed statistical differences between the age groups but no statistical difference was noted among two species and sexes.

Key words: Osteometric, differences, humerus, Bari goat, Dumbi sheep.