Differences in femoral morphology between sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus): macroscopic and microscopic observations

It is often difficult, if not impossible, to separate postcranial elements of species, such as sheep and goats. Distinguishing between the skeletal remains of these species is important in a variety of scientific fields, such as comparative anatomy, taxonomy, biomechanical engineering, as well as zooarchaeology and palaeontology. The aim of this study was to assess morphological and morphometric differences of microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of the femur of sheep and goats, to be used to distinguish between these species. Approximately one hundred sheep and goat femora were examined. Microscopic results indicated that osteon and Haversian canal diameters are parameters useful to the distinction between sheep and goats. Twelve macroscopical features, which successfully separated goat and sheep femora, were identified and discussed, four of which were described for the first time with a mathematical approach. These differences could be related to the behavioural and locomotion patterns of the two species.