The calcaneus plays a critical role in balance, locomotion, and muscle attachment, making it a key structure for biomechanical adaptations. This study examined interspecies differences between sheep and goats, as well as intraspecies variations among different sheep breeds, in calcaneus morphology. A total of 128 right calcanei were analyzed using 3D geometric morphometric methods to allow detailed assessments of calcaneus shape and size. Among sheep, the Hamdani sheep displayed the largest calcaneus among the breeds, distinguishing them significantly from the others. In contrast, goats had a bilaterally narrower calcaneal body, while sheep featured a more pronounced distal portion that articulates with the talus and a deeper articular surface. Additionally, the sustentaculum tali were more developed in sheep. The bilaterally compressed calcaneal body in goats likely reflects their agility and ability to navigate steep, rocky terrains. In contrast, sheep’s broader and more robust calcaneus may support their grazing lifestyle on flatter terrains, emphasizing their stability and weight-bearing capacity. These findings highlight the functional significance of calcaneal morphology in the locomotor strategies and physical capabilities of goats and sheep, providing valuable insights for comparative anatomy and veterinary science.

Sexual dimorphism in bill morphology influences foraging strategies and bird competitive interactions. This study uses geometric morphometric analyses to examine sex-based differences in the bill shape and size of Ciconia ciconia, a large wading bird. Standardized dorsal and lateral photographs of 45 white storks (24 females and 21 males) were analyzed. The mean centroid size (CS) confirmed that males have significantly larger bills than females, yet principal component analysis revealed no reliable shape-based sex differentiation. Allometric analyses indicated that larger individuals exhibit more pronounced shape variations, likely tied to functional adaptations, though these were insufficient for sex determination. While bill size correlates with sex, shape variation does not serve as a reliable criterion for sexing C. ciconia. This study contributes to the understanding of sexual dimorphism in Ciconia ciconia by quantifying bill size differences using geometric morphometrics.

The astragalus acts as a crucial intermediary in the tarsal joint, facilitating the transfer of body weight to the lower extremities while also ensuring both stability and mobility through its articulation with adjacent bones, enabling efficient movement. This study investigates the morphological diversity of the astragalus in three modern cattle breeds, one goat breed, and three sheep breeds using three-dimensional geometric morphometric methods. A total of 225 specimens were analyzed in this study. Large bovids, such as the Holstein and Simmental cattle breeds, had a more developed lateral edge of the proximal trochlea and a more rounded astragalus. In small bovids, the Akkaraman and Morkaraman sheep breeds displayed a more prominent medial edge and a rounded astragalus form, while the Hair goat breed exhibited a rectangular structure with a well-developed lateral projection. The results of this study demonstrate that the astragalus serves as a reliable morphological marker for differentiating between large and small bovids, as well as between closely related taxa such as sheep and goats. These shape variations, particularly observed in the proximal trochlea, reflect functional adaptations to size, body mass, and locomotor demands, making the astragalus a critical element for taxonomic identification and biomechanical analysis.

Bilateral symmetry is quite common in animals, but in some cases, asymmetry can be altered by hereditary or developmental processes. Symmetry may be preserved, or asymmetry may increase as the developmental stages progress. This study applied geometric morphometric analyses at the juvenile and adult stages to investigate directional asymmetry and fluctuating asymmetry in turtle shells. In total, 71 turtle shells (46 adults, 25 juveniles) of Testudo hermanni boettgeri were used. These turtle shells were recorded using the Generalized Procrustes method to interpret developmental asymmetry. A covariance matrix was then applied, followed by principal component analysis. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to explain individual variation. The procedures were applied and interpreted separately to the carapace and plastron. Specific structures, such as the nuchal and neural plates, exhibited a narrower shape than the mean shape configuration in directional asymmetry. The epiplastron region showed significant enlargement in juveniles compared to adults, potentially linked to developmental growth. This study investigated fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and directional asymmetry (DA) in turtle shells by analyzing the carapace and plastron. Although wavy asymmetry was not statistically significant overall, localized shape differences between the edges of the coastal and neural plates of the carapace and the edges of the plastron were observed. The side effects showed statistical significance (p = 0.0005). Environmental or developmental factors may have influenced these differences. Directional asymmetry was statistically significant for the carapace and plastron, indicating consistent shape changes associated with developmental growth. This study revealed significant directional asymmetry in the carapace and plastron of Testudo hermanni boettgeri, reflecting consistent developmental trends.

This study was carried out to investigate the anatomical, histological and histochemical properties of superficial and lacrimal glands in tuj sheep. A total of 10 superficial and lacrimal glands were used in the study. Anatomical, histological and histochemical techniques were applied to the glands. As a result, the superficial gland was found to be 18-19 mm long, 8-9 mm wide and 3-4 mm thick. Lacrimal gland was determined as 20-23 mm in length, 17-26 mm in width and 3-4 mm in thickness. Hyaline cartilage was observed at the base of the superficial gland. Superficial and lacrimal glands were found to consist of acinuses, interlobular and intralobular ducts and many blood vessels. While Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) positive reaction was observed in superficial glands, no reaction was observed in goblet cells in lacrimal glands. The secretion in the interlobular and intralobular ducts of superficial and lacrimal glands showed PAS positive reaction. In both glands, elastic fibers around the ducts and vessels showed positive reaction to orcein staining. As a result, when the values given in the literature were taken into consideration, it was seen that the length value of the superficial gland was low and the width and thickness values were high. While the length of the lacrimal gland was in the middle of the values given in the literature, it was found to have high values in terms of width and thickness. It is thought that this study will contribute to veterinary medicine regarding eye diseases and eye-related surgeries.

Background: Studying the hyoid bone in dogs is of significant importance in veterinary surgery and anatomy, as it aids in understanding how variations in this structure may affect tongue mobility, swallowing and vocalisation across breeds. Objectives: This study aims to provide preliminary insights into the relationship between structural differences in the hyoid bone and breed‐specific functional adaptations in tongue shape and movement by analysing shape variations within the hyoid apparatus. Methods: Hyoid bones from computed tomography images of 26 dogs were modelled, and principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine shape variation in the hyoid bones. Additionally, the influences of age and weight on hyoid bone shape were assessed. Results: PCA showed that PC1 (42.4%) reflected a relatively conservative pattern related to hyoid and skull morphology, whereas PC2 and PC3 indicated greater individual variation. Brachycephalic breeds exhibited a more dorsoventrally positioned and compact hyoid structure, while mesocephalic breeds showed a more aligned and elongated configuration of the stylohyoid and thyrohyoid bones. No significant correlations were found between hyoid shape and age, weight or Procrustes distance, suggesting a stronger influence of genetic factors. Conclusions: Understanding the morphological variation of the hyoid bone in dogs contributes to veterinary anatomy and has practical applications in veterinary medicine, particularly in surgical and rehabilitation practices. Given the hyoid apparatus's critical role in swallowing and vocalisation, insights from this study may enhance clinical approaches to treating conditions linked to hyoid bone morphology.