Sex Wise Morphometrical Studies on Orbital Cavity and Foramina of Skull of Adult Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

Background: The Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is one of the biggest antelopes in Asia and is widely distributed in both the forests and adjoining villages with enough green grass. Methods: The present study was carried out on the orbital cavity and foramina of skull of six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. The biometrical parameters were measured by scale, graduated tape and digital Vernier’s caliper. Result: The average left cranio-caudal orbital diameter was found to be 5.7±0.11 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 5.3±0.08 cm. Similarly, the average left orbital depth was found to be 5.7±0.08 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 5.3±0.06 cm. The average length of left orbital process of frontal bone was found to be 5.1±0.05 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 5.3±0.07 cm. The average diameter of left supraorbital foramen was found to be 0.31±0.001 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 0.7±0.003 cm. Similarly, the average maximum distance between two cranial palatine foramina was found to be 1.8±0.05 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 3.3±0.12 cm. Conclusion: Most of the biometrical observations on different parameters of orbital cavity and different foramina of skull of Blue bull were having significantly (p less than 0.05) more values in males than females. The present gross and biometrical studies would be useful to the wild life professionals for determination of sex of this animal and solving vetero-legal cases related with this species.