Depressions on sheep horncores

Abnormal depression on horncores were observed in some female Soay sheep skeletons from a Suffolk flock. A survey of the literature reveals that this condition has also been frequently reported in both archaeological and modern sheep. The occurrence of these depressions in females allows us to rule out the hypothesis, suggested by some authors, that the condition results from castration. A possible association with old age, periodontal disease and osteoporosis-testified by the low cortical index of metatarsals—suggests that these depressions are due to a resorption of calcium in completely developed horncores. Malnutrition and milking stress, probably associated with other cofactors, are suggested as some of the possible causes of the depressions in archaeological specimens.