A comparative study of the hyoid bone (os hyoides) of 6 ruminant species (Ruminantia Scopoli, 1777).

The shape, position and measurements of the hyoid bone of 6 small and medium-sized European ruminant species of different feeding types as classified by Hofmann (1976), (rose deer, mouflon, sheep, red deer, fallow deer and goat) were fully described. A comparison with other domestic species was carried out, the most characteristic species differences were shown and the results were expressed in 9 Figs. and 1 Table. The basic structural plan of the hyoid bone is found to be similar in all species studied; there are, however, distinct species variations.