Morphological and morphometric studies on the axial skeleton of the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus).

Background: Anatomical features of the skeleton of wild animals contribute largely to their adaptation. A dearth of information on the skeletal anatomy of the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus) necessitated this study. Two adult sitatunga carcasses weighing 54 kg and 57 kg were obtained after post-mortem examination.

Numeric and morphological studies of the African lion (Panthera leo leo) pectoral limb.

Background: The Importance of the appendicular skeleton in the conformation, shape and physiology of wild animals especially carnivores for adaptation and survival cannot be overemphasized, as limited and obsolete information on the bones of the forelimb necessitated this study. Matured adult African lions (Male and female) that weighed 173 kg and 112 kg were obtained at different times after post mortem examinations of their carcasses. Bone preparation was achieved via cold water maceration after proper skin and muscle removal to a barest minimum.

Axial skeletal morphological studies on the helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagridis).

This study on the morphological features of bones of the helmeted guinea fowl (Numidia meleagridis) specifically the axial skeleton was conducted for documentation and valuable information on differences when compared with other species of the same order. Ten (10) Helmeted guinea fowls (5 females and 5 males) with an average weight of 3.0 kg were euthanized via jugular vein severance with bone preparation achieved via the use of insect larvae.