Geometric Measurement Analysis versus Fourier Analysis: an Example using the Bovine Obturator Foramen

A random sample of 60 bovine hemicoxae from young bovines obtained from a commercial abattoir were collected from deboned carcasses. Image capture and additional digital processing was then performed. Four measurements for each sample (dorsoventral maximal height, craneocaudal maximal width, perimeter and area) were obtained and five size indexes (form factor, roundness, circularity, rectangularity and ellipticity) were derived. Finally, the outline of the foramen was described by a series of Fourier harmonics. Results showed that the Fourier descriptors accentuated slightly the morphological characteristics of the obturator foramen according to sex based on the outline. However, the classification of animal using measurements, indexes, Fourier descriptors or both was poor. The results of this study are considered encouraging and advocates further research to discover more accurate geometrical descriptors, notably in 3D.