The size of aurochs skeletons from Europe and Asia in the period from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages

Abstract

Statistical analysis was carried out of 1838 dimensions of 25 osteometric characteristics of the aurochs Bos primigenius Bojanus, 1827 skeleton in order to determine the secular trend and geographic gradient. The results showed a slight tendency for an increase in the dimensions of the forelimbs with the passage of time. Both limbs showed no change in size of the stylopodium, zeugopodium or metapodium; the acropodium increased in size. The size of skeletons was found to decrease from East to West. This applied to both pairs of limbs, but in the case of the forelimbs the gradient was steeper. It did not occur in the stylopodium or zeugopodium, but could be detected in the metapodium and acropodium. This was the case only with females (analysis based on 7 characteristics).