Descripción anatómica del esqueleto apendicular del carpincho (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Abstract

The "capybara" is a native species of economic importance from Northeastern Argentina, with both national and regional animal production programs destined to enhance meat and fur production. The anatomical information about the appendicular skeleton of this species is scarce. The aims of this study were to describe the limb bones (appendicular skeleton) of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris topographically sorted from proximal to distal (based on the veterinary anatomical nomenclature) and to describe the particular shape of each region. The bones were obtained by maceration using 20% sodium hypochlorite. The anatomical descriptions were photographically recorded. Osteologic analysis of the appendicular skeleton involved four segments both from thoracic (scapula, arm, forearm, hand) and pelvic limbs (hip bone, thigh, leg, foot), that revealed osteological peculiarities of the species. It is expected that anatomical studies of H. hydrochaeris will help to improve their health and production management.