Radiographic Assessment of Epiphyseal Plate Closure Time of Metacarpus and Phalanges in Goat Kids

In this study, we aimed to assess epiphyseal plate closure time of metacarpus, first and second phalanges, growing amount in the related bones and effect of gender on epiphyseal plate closure time. The study was carried out on 30 yeanlings, 15 males and 15 females. Each month DP radiographs were taken until the epiphyseal plate closures in related bones were completed (24 months). Bone radiographs were measured on negatoscope and values were recorded. At 12 th month, average lengths of first phalanges were measured as 36.05 ± 1.57 mm in females and 36.40 ± 1.67 mm in males; the average length of second phalanges was measured as 24.01 ± 1.83 mm and 24.16 ± 1.32 mm. The average metacarpus lengths were measured as 104.00 ± 3.56 mm in females at the 23 rd month and 104.85 ± 2.75 mm in males at the 24 th month. Epiphyseal plates were open during first 5 months in both males and females; between 5 th and 6 th months they began to close. Complete closure of the distal epiphyseal plates in females was completed between 20 th and 23 rd months, and between 21 st and 24 th months in males. In both genders, the proximal epiphyseal plates of the 1 st and 2 nd phalanges began to close between 5 th and 6 th months, and the complete closure occurred between 10 th and 12 th months. As a result, some determinations were obtained: metacarpal growth occurred distally; nevertheless, growth of 1 st and 2 nd phalanges occurred from proximally; gender has no effect on the bones; the distal epiphyseal plates of metacarpus were closed between 20 th and 23 rd months in the females and 21-24 th months in males; the proximal epiphyseal plates of the first and second phalanges were closed between the 10 th and 12 th months in both genders