Abstract
Bone structure has been widely studied in mammals, however, osteon structure in sheep has received relatively little attention, especially in terms of its location on the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The aim of this study was to investigate the histometric characteristics and mineral composition of the metacarpus and metatarsus of adult Sanjabi sheep. Metacarpal and metatarsal bones were collected from five adult Sanjabi sheep (n = 10). Morphometric measurements were performed on computed tomographic scan images. Histometric parameters were measured on histological sections. The mineral composition of the bone samples was detected using the X-ray fluorescence method. The diameter of the Haversian canal in the right metatarsus was significantly greater than that in the other bones. The smallest diameter of the Haversian canal was observed for the right metacarpus. The diameter and area of the osteons in the right metacarpal were significantly greater than those in the other bones. The amount of essential mineral elements was not significantly different among bones. Aluminum and lead were significantly greater in the left metatarsus. The highest amount of copper was observed in the left metacarpus. These results indicated that there was a greater load on the right limb. This compensatory mechanism might be used to put more weight on the right forelimb and reduce the pressure caused by the weight of the rumen on the left forelimb. However, to prove this hypothesis, more detailed and extensive studies are needed in the future.