Hello,
I have been experimenting with allometric formulae and
body mass based on the astragalus (GLI) in mammals
(cattle). I have also looked at the femur head.
However, the body mass numbers I end up with for the
astragalus versus femur are vastly different, and I am
wondering if it is because the allometric values I am
using for the astragalus are based on a small sample
of measurements (n=6). I am using numbers from Reitz
and Cordier 1983 (BAR international Series, Animals
and Archaeology: 2. Shell Middens, Fishes and Birds).
It's possible that I just have a large range in body
mass at this site, but I tend to think the femur
values (i.e. smaller body mass) are more accurate
based on what is known historically about cattle in
the area. But I have more complete astraguli than
femur heads!--it would be great to use them. I have
been unable to locate more recent studies that make
use of the astragalus: does anyone know of
adjusted/more recent allometric values for the
astragalus since the above publication?
Many thanks,
Cheryl Smith-Lintner
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