Age estimation in sheep by radiographic image of radius and ulna: medicolegal study

Abstract

This work was done on 54 sheep (ram) which are apparently healthy and no anatomical deformities to evaluate the medicolegal importance of the radiographic images in determination the age of sheep. The age of the sheep was estimated through the measurement of the lengths and radiographic images of radius and ulna. The radius bone measured 10.69±0.07 cm at age of 2 months and reached the maximum length at age of 48 months 17.72±0.10 cm. The ulna bone measured 13.62±0.04 cm at age of 2 months and reached the maximum length at age of 48 months 22.94±0.08 cm. The radiolucent area appeared in the radius and ulna at age of 2-10 months in sheep. Partial union of radius started at age of 16 months in sheep and in ulna started at age of 18 months. The epiphyseal closure of the radius plate occurred at age of 28 months and ulna plate appeared at age of 30 months. The complete closure of the epiphyseal plates appeared at age of 42 month in radius and in ulna at age of 48 months.