What are buttons in the context of animal anatomy?

Buttons refer to the soft cartilage tips found on the outside of the chine bones in an animal's anatomy. These buttons serve as an important indicator of the animal's age and development. As the animal matures, these cartilage tips gradually ossify, turning into hard bone. This process is significant because it can help in assessing the maturity and overall growth stage of the animal, which is particularly relevant in the meat industry for determining the quality of the carcass. Understanding the significance of buttons is crucial in fields like animal science and veterinary medicine, as they play a key role in evaluating livestock for various purposes, including breeding and market readiness.