Z. Bani Ismail1, M.B. Alzghoul2, M. Daradka1, A.H. Al-Shiyab3 and O.G. Tashman1
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences1, Department of Basic Medical Sciences2,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid 22110,
Jordan. Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Amman, Jordan3
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to analyse the morphometric measurements of the bones forming the distal limb of 9-12 months old, male dromedarian camels. Limbs (distal to carpal and tarsal bones) of 14 camels were collected from a local slaughter house. Limbs were identified as right or left forelimb or hindlimb. Different morphometric measurements were obtained for the metapodials, first, second and third phalanges. In the morphometric analysis of the metapodials, there were no statistically significant differences between the right and left metacarpals or metatarsals in any measured parameter. However, the metacarpal bone was significantly (P<0.05) larger than the metatarsal bone in its width and diameter. The medial and lateral P1 of the forelimbs were significantly larger than the medial and lateral P1 of the hindlimbs. The second phalanx of the forelimbs was significantly longer than P2 of the hindlimbs. While digital bones of camels at this age are dynamic and these measurements are likely to change in advanced ages, information gained from this study can help veterinarians, camel practitioners, and zooarcheologists who are interested in camel medical disorders, camel history and domestication in studying this group of camel population all over the world.
Keywords: Digital bone, juvenile camels, morphometric measurements
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