Eur J Anat, 11 (2): 101-104 (2007)

Some aspects of the neurometrics of the Sahel goat in Nigeria

Olopade J.O., Kwari H.D., Shawulu J.C., Ofua M., Onwuka S.K.

Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Craniofacial Anatomy and Environmental Neuroscience Unit, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

ABSTRACT A study of the neurometrics of the Sahel goat was done using sixteen goats. The mean brain weight obtained was 85.13g. The mean brain length, depth, cerebral length, depth and cerebellar length and depth were 9.38cm, 4.34cm, 5.78cm, 4.34cm, 2.79cm and 2.43cm respectively, while the relative brain weight was 0.004. Animals below one year of age and 20kg body weight had significantly higher relative brain weight than animals at and above this age and body weight groups. Female goats had a lower mean brain weight than males. There was a strong positive correlation between body weight and brain depth while a strong negative correlation existed between body weight and relative brain weight. The result is added information to the comparative neuroanatomy of small ruminant breeds and should serve as baseline research data in applied fields.

Keywords: article, body weight, brain depth recording, brain weight, controlled study, developing country, female, goat, male, Nigeria, nonhuman