A comparative osteometric evaluation of some cranial indices of clinical significance in goats (Capra hircus) from the middle- belt regions of Nigeria

Abstract:background: there is no comprehension data on anatomical indices of nigerian goats. objectives: to show osteometric values of some cranial indices in nigerian goats. methods: sixty (60) goat skulls that were found around makurdi, kwande, katsina-ala and the neighbouring adamawa state of nigeria, were studied by investigating the 30 craniometric values. results: the measured distance from the facial tuberosity to the infraorbital foramen was 2.33±0.29 cm and 1.80±0.14 cm for females and males, respectively. in addition, the distance from the medial canthus to the supraorbital foramen was 27±0.31 cm for females and 2.83±0.24 cm for males; from the lateral alveolar root to the mental foramen was 2.05±0.07 cm for females and 5.10±7.28 cm for males; and from the mandibular foramen to the ventral border of mandible was 5.90±0.14 cm for females and 5.48±0.43 cm for males. conclusions: this breed of goat might be a different phenotype of the breeds that is available in nigeria.