Gross anatomical study of the rib cage of domestic geese (Anser anserdomesticus) vis-a-vis fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) of Kashmir

The anatomy of rib cage in avian species differs according to their movement, flying capability and habitat. In the present study, rib cage of adult domestic geese and fowl of Kashmir was studied. The rib cage was composed of thoracic vertebrae dorsally, ribs laterally and sternum ventrally. Thoracic vertebrae were five in number in geese and seven in fowl. The vertebrae were free in geese but fused in fowl. In geese, the vertebrae formed series of foramina and presented a complete capitular cavity for the corresponding rib. Number of ribs in geese was 9 pairs as compared to 7 pairs in fowl. In geese and fowl, each rib was made up of upper vertebral rib and lower sternal rib except the first one or two. The ribs of geese were more flattened and curved as compared to fowl. The length of ribs in geese increased to maximum upto 7^th rib. The sternum of geese was made up of eight pieces of bone but in fowl these were seven in number. The sternum of geese was boat shaped while it was curved quadrilateral plate like in fowl. The width of sternum was more in geese but in fowl the height was more.