Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

Morphometric, histometric and elemental profile of the metacarpal and metatarsal bones in adult Sanjabi sheep

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sajedeh Azizi 1
Nader Goodarzi 2
Saeed Ghaderi 1

1 DVM Graduate, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Department of Basic Sciences and Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2024.2034586.4349
Abstract
Bone structure has been widely studied in mammals, however, osteon structure in sheep has received relatively little attention, especially in terms of its location on the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The aim of this study was to investigate the histometric characteristics and mineral composition of the metacarpus and metatarsus of adult Sanjabi sheep. Metacarpal and metatarsal bones were collected from five adult Sanjabi sheep (n = 10). Morphometric measurements were performed on computed tomographic scan images. Histometric parameters were measured on histological sections. The mineral composition of the bone samples was detected using the X-ray fluorescence method. The diameter of the Haversian canal in the right metatarsus was significantly greater than that in the other bones. The smallest diameter of the Haversian canal was observed for the right metacarpus. The diameter and area of the osteons in the right metacarpal were significantly greater than those in the other bones. The amount of essential mineral elements was not significantly different among bones. Aluminum and lead were significantly greater in the left metatarsus. The highest amount of copper was observed in the left metacarpus. These results indicated that there was a greater load on the right limb. This compensatory mechanism might be used to put more weight on the right forelimb and reduce the pressure caused by the weight of the rumen on the left forelimb. However, to prove this hypothesis, more detailed and extensive studies are needed in the future.

Keywords

Mineral elements
Osteon
Sheep
X-ray fluorescence
Subjects
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 16, Issue 5
May 2025
Pages 293-300

  • Receive Date 04 July 2024
  • Revise Date 30 October 2024
  • Accept Date 05 November 2024

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