Hi Emily

To the best of my understanding, there has been no further research on these specific lesions. My instinct is that these may represent a focal (but not necessarily problematic) bone development defect, as observed in the glenoid cavity of scapulae and the phalanges of cattle (amongst other places). The latter are discussed in:

Thomas, R. and Johannsen, N. 2011. Articular lesions in cattle phalanges and their archaeological relevance. International Journal of Paleopathology 1: 43-54.

Best wishes

Richard

From: Analysis of animal remains from archaeological sites [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Emily Murray
Sent: 09 January 2018 10:54
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Subject: [ZOOARCH] Cleft in cattle mandibular condlye

Baker and Brothwell (1980, 112-4) in their book 'Animal Diseases in Archaeology' suggest that clefts/grooves in mandibular condyles of cattle and sheep, along with minor pitting, are considered 'minor, non-pathological variation from the normal'. Is this still the accepted interpretation? I have recorded quite a few examples on a site in Ireland and would be interested to know if there has been any further work done on this.

Thanks,

Emily