An Examination of the Cranium and Mandible in Domestic Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Using Macroanatomy and morphometry

This study's objective was to use morphometric and macroanatomical techniques to investigate the skull and mandible of domestic buffalos. 14 buffalo skulls and mandibles 7 female and 7 male were used in the study for this purpose. Using digital calipers and tape measures on the cranium and mandible, 16 distinct measurements were obtained from mandibles, and 48 on the skull. Male buffaloes had an average total head length (BTU) of 47.35±1.79 cm, while female buffaloes had an average BTU of 47.06±2.27 cm. The analysis revealed no significant difference between the sexes (p=0.814). Foramen magnum width was 3.61±0.36 cm., in female buffaloes and 5.27±0.54 cm., in male buffaloes (p=0.001), foramen magnum height was 3.41±0.23 cm., in female buffaloes and 4.78±0.42 cm., in male buffaloes (p=0.001), and the shortest occipital width was 10.68±1.25 cm., in female buffaloes and 12.21±0.99 cm., in male buffaloes (p=0.032). Based on the calculation of the craniofacial index, the average cranial index for male buffaloes was 51.77±3.53 cm., while the average for female buffaloes was 45.61±4.61 cm. Female buffaloes were found to have mandible lengths of 38.81±1.03 cm., on the right side and 37.68±0.75 cm., on the left. Male buffaloes were found to have an average length of 37.57±1.23 cm., for the right mandible and 38.14±1.14 cm., for the left. When comparing the mandibles of female individuals from right to left, the distance between the aboral edge of the processus condylaris and infradentale was found to be (p=0.021), and a significant difference was noted.