Sex determination in German Mast geese (Anser anser) with 3D modeling pelvimetry examination

Abstract

Background

The avian pelvis is known to differ in shape between males and females due to the need for females to lay eggs, with egg shape correlating to pelvic shape. Geese breeding is done as an alternative to the poultry sector in our country for meat and, to a lesser extent, eggs. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of those who are breeding geese as large enterprises. Understanding the anatomical structure of geese is essential. With 3D-modeling studies the use of artificial intelligence has increased and thus artificial intelligence has taken its place in the definition of anatomical structures. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the sexual dimorphism of this species by determining the three-dimensional pelvimetric data of the pelvic region of German Mast geese by gender, and also to provide reference data for zooarchaeology, taxonomy, obstetrics, and gynecology studies.

Materials and methods

In our study, 40 (20 female and 20 male) adult (1.5–2 years old) German Mast geese were used. Adult males weighed an average of 9.0 kg, while females weighed around 8.0 kg. Computerized tomography images were converted into 3D. Measurement points were determined, and morphometric measurements were taken. Subsequently, the statistical analysis of the obtained measurement values was performed.

Results

In Table 1, L1, L2, L3, L3, L5, L6, L8, L8, L9, L10, L11 and A1 measurement parameters of the pelvis showed that males were larger than females. L4, RA2, and LA2 measurement parameters showed that females were larger than males. L1, L2, and L9 measurement points were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study can be taken as a reference in the evaluation of CT images of this species and can be used in various obstetric and gynecological diseases and in studies in the field of zooarchaeology and forensic sciences. In addition, 3D-models obtained using cross-sectional imaging devices can be helpful in the education of the anatomy of this species.