Classification of an equine skull in the Science Museum of Coimbra, Portugal, by means of multivariate and qualitative analysis

The study aimed at classifying an equine skull stored in Museu da Ciência Universidade de Coimbra , (Portugal) on the basis of its morphology using multivariate analyses. A visual appraisal had revealed that it was not from a horse. Nineteen cephalic measurements were obtained and compared with available data horses different groups (poneys, trait saddle), hybrids, Przewalski’s horse ( Equus przewalskii ), wild domestic asses, quaggas quagga ). Multivariate analysis plus head profile allowed us to assign mare hinny -the hybrid between jenny (female donkey) stallion (male horse). research highlights possibilities categorization equid skulls according morphometry but need consider qualitative traits, as profiles. But more such studies are needed be conducted establish clearly differences mules hinnies, especially among sympatric populations.