European Journal of Zoological Research
Abstract
Author(s): SAMUEL. O M, OLOPADE J O , KORZERZER M. R and ONWUKA S K
A total of twenty (20) skulls from goats taken around Makurdi, Kwande, Katsina Ã?¢Ã?â?¬Ã?â??ala and neighbouring states of
Adamawa and Nassarawa in Nigeria were utilized for this investigation. Thirty (30) craniometric parameters were
assessed. The measured distance from the facial tuberosity to the infraorbital foramen was 2.33Ã?â??Ã?± 0.29cm and
1.80Ã?â??Ã?±0.14cm for females and males respectively. In addition, the distance from the medial canthus to the
supraorbital foramen, from the lateral alveolar root to the mental foramen and from mandibular foramen to the
ventral border of mandible were 3. 27Ã?â??Ã?± 0.31cm and 2.83Ã?â??Ã?±0.24cm, then 8.05Ã?â??Ã?±0.07cm and 5.10Ã?â??Ã?±7.28cm and 5.20Ã?â??Ã?±
0.71cm and 3.14Ã?â??Ã?± 0.37cm in females and males respectively These values were at variance with those previously
reported in some Nigerian goat breeds though the distance from the lateral alveolar margin to the mental foramen
in middle belt goats at 8.05Ã?â??Ã?± 0.07cm and 5.10Ã?â??Ã?±7.28cm in females and male respectively shared similar values with
other reported breeds of goats in Nigeria. The statistical evidence revealed that these goats; for most parts do not
conform to the previously investigated breeds and can be postulated that the Trans-Saharan and Touareg
migrations along with effects of climatic pattern along the route of migrations over time has resulted in these
ontogenic variations. Our data shows the basis of its relevance in the regional clinical procedures of the head,
comparative anatomy of some salient structures of clinical significance, population studies, identification, and
palaeontology as well as eco- migration surveillance. It is further hypothesised that this breed of goat might be a
different phenotype of the breeds available in Nigeria.
