Morphometric analysis of the skulls of domestic cattle (Bos taurus L.) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.) in Turkey

Abstract

A total of 20 domestic cattle (Bos taurus L.) and 15 water buffalo (Bubalis bubalis L.) skulls were analyzed in this study. All of the specimens belonged to female individuals. Using a total of 27 craniometric measurements from each of the skulls, 9 indices were calculated. Although there were statistically significant differences between the linear measurements of the skulls of both species, while calculating the indices with their ratios, the values of the measurements of the facial area were determinative in the craniology. Among these indices, the facial index 1 value was statistically significant (P < 0.01) in the comparison of these two species. On the other hand, while considering the orbit and foramen magnum measurements, in contrast with the transversal measurement, the height was more determinant for their index and form.