STRUCTURE OF THE SKELETON

Skull

Sheep

Skeleton of the neck

Atlas (on left) and axis of sheep.

Ribcage

Sheep

-----------------------BEEF---------PORK------------LAMB

Total pairs of ribs-------------13----------13 to 17-----------13 to 14

Pairs of sternal ribs-------------8-----------7-----------------8

Pairs of asternal ribs------------5-----------7 to 8-------------5 to 6

Number of sternebrae-----------7-------------6--------------6 to 7

The skeleton of the loin, sirloin and rump

Sheep pelvis

The shape of the symphysis pubis seen on a side of beef is a useful guide to the sex of the carcass: 1, steer; 2, heifer; and 3, cow, where x shows the position of the pizzle eye.

Forelimb skeleton

Scapula

Hindlimb skeleton

Femur

Poultry skeleton