The Impact of Age and Biometric Parameters on Metapodial Bone Measurements of the Desert Sheep Breed “Sidahou” ( Ovis aries L ., 1758 ): A New Baseline for Zooarchaeological Research and Historical Livestock Management in Central and North Africa

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ABSTRACT As part of archaeozoological research aimed at refining the interpretation of skeletal remains, this study presents an initial osteomorphometric approach to the Sidahou sheep breed, native to the Central and Northern African desert. A total of 60 right metapodial bones (30 metacarpals and 30 metatarsals) from female sheep raised in Mali and slaughtered in Algeria (Tamanrasset region) were analyzed. Seven linear measurements were taken from each bone, allowing the calculation of three gracility indices. The results show no significant differences between young adults (12–24 months) and individuals over 30 months ( p > 0.05), suggesting early maturation in Sidahou females. These females reach their adult form at 2 years of age, after which the epiphyses of the cannon bones fuse, marking the end of growth. The morphometric analysis also reveals marked gracility (d/GL indices between 7% and 8%) and unusual elongation of the bones (GL ≈ 158.9 mm for the metacarpals and 169.4 mm for the metatarsals). The metapodial morphology of the Sidahou sheep closely resembles that of ancient forms, minimally affected by artificial selection, making it a relevant reference model for comparisons with archaeological sheep populations. Finally, regression equations were developed to estimate the withers height (e.g., HG = 3.22251 + 0.47941 × GL), thereby enriching the tools for archaeozoological analysis.

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