Comparative Morphometrical Studies on the Head Region of Zovawk (Sus scrofa domesticus) and Wild Pig (Sus scrofa)

Abstract

Comparative morphometrical information on the cranial anatomy of indigenous pig breeds of Northeast India remains limited. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the head morphometry of Zovawk (Sus scrofa domesticus), an indigenous semi-wild pig of Mizoram and wild pig (Sus scrofa). Six adult skulls (three Zovawk and three wild pig), irrespective of sex, were collected, macerated and examined following standard osteological procedures. A comprehensive set of cranial, neurocranial, viscerocranial, facial, palatine, orbital, and mandibular parameters was recorded using established reference points. Both Zovawk and wild pig skulls were classified as dolichocephalic; however, wild pigs consistently exhibited significantly larger dimensions across most parameters, including skull length, breadth, cranial capacity, facial measurements, orbital dimensions and palatine indices. Zovawk showed comparatively smaller but proportionate cranial and facial features. The observed differences reflect breed-specific adaptations and varying degrees of domestication. This study provides baseline comparative morphometrical data that may be useful for anatomical reference, breed characterization, wildlife forensics and clinical applications in veterinary practice.