thanks you very much for all the replies on the correct spelling of epiphys?al... I see that it is not only on the timing of the fusion in sheep,pig and cattle that we have uncertainties... best to all Jaco Ancient DNA and Evolution Group Centre for Ancient Genetics Niels Bohr Institute & Biological Institute University of Copenhagen Juliane Maries vej 30 DK-2100 Denmark and Dept, of Archaeology University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield SOUTHAMPTON SO17 1BF UK