Alpine Ibex

(Capra ibex)

The Trophy


Horns are present in both sexes, with horns from female goats being much shorter and slimmer and having weak bulges. The horns of the bucks are sabre-shaped or sickle-shaped (falciform = curved like a sickle) and oval in cross section, with 2 recognisable outside edges with a well-de ned at but rough front surface in between. The front surface of the horn is broken every 3 to 5 cm from the base up close to the tip of the horn with protruding bulges. These bulges are made of thick horn skin at the base of the horns. The sections between adjacent annular ring depressions have usually 2 bulges, rarely 1 or 3. The horn shape of the male animal is extremely malleable, even when the bucks are from the same herd. The horn bow is variable - from almost straight up to a full half-circle, and the spread can be very narrow or wide. The tips of the horns can grow in a straight line or can be displayed either inwards or outwards. An important factor in assessing the overall quality of the trophy is the relationship between horn length and horn mass over the whole length (horn mass index), whereby large uctuations occur (Source: CIC Caprinae Atlas of the World 2014).

The circular annular rings that occur between the annual horn growth, facilitate a precise determination of the age. The horns of bucks grow an average of 80 mm per year up to the age of 5.5 years. With age comes a linear decline in annual growth. The highest horn growth rate takes place in the second year of life. Bucks from the age of 10, grow their horns at a rate of less than 40 mm per year. The annual horn growth is also dependent on the population density, habitat quality, and other environmental factors. Therefore, the annual growth of the horn differs depending on the weather, ambient temperature, food availability and quality, stocking density, the age of the animal and the combinations of these factors.

The horns of the buck and the female goat are measured using the same formula.

The horns of the Alpine Ibex are evaluated according to the valid CIC Alpine ibex formula. For all other types of ibex (from North Africa and Asia) the respective measurement sheet/survey instructions are to be used. The Spanish Ibex will also be assessed using a CIC-specic method.

Trophy Points Required

Phenotype

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Apline Ibex (male)

150

157

165

Alpine Ibex (female)

45

50

55


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