Gross morphometry of pectoral girdle of domestic geese (Anser anser domesticus)

Pectoral girdle of adult domestic geese (Anser anser domesticus) of Kashmir was studied. The girdle comprised of three bones viz. scapula, coracoid and clavicle. The scapula was sword shaped with proximal extremity and a blade. The length and maximum width of scapula were 10.50 cm and 1.30 cm respectively. The clavicle was in the form of thick curved plate to join the bone of opposite side forming the broad ‘U’ shaped furculum with rudimentary hypocleidium. The length and maximum width of clavicle were 10.00 cm and 4.5 cm, respectively. Coracoid was directed downwards and backwards to articulate the sternum distally. The length was 1.50 cm and width of distal extremity (3.80 cm) was about twice that of proximal one (3.80 cm). Proximal extremity of scapula, coracoid and clavicle united to form foramen triosseum. Diameter of foramen triosseum was 0.60 cm. It is concluded that the pectoral girdle of domestic geese comprised of three bones viz. scapula, clavicle and coracoids with scapula sword shaped and clavicle having ‘U’ shaped furculum. The proximal extremity of coracoid was hook like and articulated with scapula and clavicle to form foramen triosseum.