Predicting Body Weight and Withers Height in Sheep Using Talus (Astragalus) Measurements

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop regression models for estimating body weight and withers height in sheep based on talus (astragalus) measurements and to evaluate the presence of homotypic variation and sexual dimorphism. A total of 85 adult Kıvırcık sheep (43 females and 42 males) were included. Osteometric measurements (GLl, GLm, and Bd), together with live body weight and withers height, were analyzed. Paired t ‐test results showed no statistically significant differences between the right and left sides for GLl and GLm ( p > 0.05), whereas Bd exhibited a statistically significant but low to moderate asymmetry ( p < 0.05). Significant differences between sexes were observed for all variables, with higher values recorded in males ( p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis identified Bd as the only significant predictor of both withers height and body weight. The models were statistically significant ( p < 0.001), explaining 34.6% of the variance in withers height and 27.9% in body weight. Bd can be considered a reliable indicator for estimating body size in sheep. This approach provides a practical alternative for zooarchaeological studies, especially in cases where long bones are absent or highly fragmented.