Gross Morphological and Sex Wise Morphometrical Studies on Mandible of Adult Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

Abstract

Background: The Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is one of the biggest antelopes in Asia and is widely distributed in both the forests and adjoining villages with enough green grass.Methods: The present study was carried out on the mandible of six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. The biometrical parameters were measured by scale, graduated tape and digital Vernier’s caliper. The statistical analysis of the recorded data was done by independent samples t-Test with Systat Software Inc, USA and SPSS 16.0 version software.Result: The mandible of Blue bull consisted of two rami, i.e. horizontal and vertical rami. The two halves of this bone fused incompletely at the mandibular symphysis, situated at the midline. The average length of horizontal ramus of mandible was found to be 24.7±1.02 cm in female, which was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 35.4±1.97 cm. Similarly, the average thickness of vertical ramus at the base was found to be 0.53±0.001 cm in female, which was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 0.80±0.002 cm. The average cranio-caudal length of mandibular notch was found to be 1.32±0.01 cm in female, which was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 1.44±0.02 cm. Most of the biometrical observations on different parameters of mandible of Blue bull were having significantly (P less than 0.05) more values in males than females. Conclusion: Most of the biometrical observations on different parameters of mandible of Blue bull were having significantly (p less than 0.05) more values in males than females. The present gross and biometrical studies would be useful to the wild life professionals for determination of sex of this animal and solving vetero-legal cases related with this species.