Radiographic Anatomical Studies on the Developmental pattern of Ossification Centres in the Forelimb Bones of Local sheep of Kashmir valley

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to document the chronological appearance and fusion of
ossification centres in the developing forelimb bones of prenatal sheep of Kashmir region using radiographic techniques. A total of eighteen sheep fetuses of varying gestational ages and one 15 days old postnatal dead sheep were utilized and categorized into three groups: Group I (0–50 days), Group II (51–100 days) and Group III (101 days to full term). Radiographic evaluation was performed to study the ossification pattern of the scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, carpal bones, metacarpals and phalanges. The skeletal system remained cartilaginous up to the 7th week of gestation. Primary ossification centres of most long bones appeared around 60 days of gestation. In general, distal epiphyses ossified earlier than proximal epiphyses. Sesamoid bones were the last to ossify. The developmental progression of forelimb bones in local sheep of the Kashmir Valley appeared
relatively delayed compared to reports from other Indian sheep breeds. The findings provide baseline data useful for fetal age estimation, assessment of skeletal maturity and veterinary forensic investigations.