Comparative gross anatomical studies on the nasal cavity of m ithun (Bos frontalis), yak (Bos grunniens) and zebu

Abstract

Gross morphological observation on the nasal cavity was done in mithun, yak and zebu. The nasal cavity of mithun was more elongated (31.00 ± 1.00 cm); while it was less in zebu (29.60 ± 0.67 cm) and cone shaped in yak (26.00 ± 1.15cm). The widest part was recorded at the level of 3rd cheek tooth and reduced at 1st cheek tooth for all the specieses. The height of the nasal septum was more in mithun. The nasal septum was less extensive in yak, however, the septum had more cartilaginous part in yak in comparison to mithun and zebu. The vertical diameter of the oval shaped posterior nares was more in mithun (7.00 ± 0.15 cm) and zebu (7.00 ± 0.06 cm): while the transverse diameter was less in yak (4.50 ± 0.21 cm).