Friday, June 12, 2015

Age determination - cattle, sheep and goats




Sheep age 



You will not be able to determine the exact age of the animal from is teeth – there will be a few months either way. It is important not to confuse temporary teeth in a year old animal, which has not yet started teething, with an adult sheep that is 4 years of age (“full mouth”).  The more mature characteristics of the face will be helpful.

 Ageing is done according to the following formula for sheep (and goats):-

                        15 months (1 year)            ± 3 months                        =          2 TOOTH (2 permanent teeth)
24 months (2 years)           ± 3 months                        =          4 TOOTH
33 months (3 years)           ± 3 months                        =          6 TOOTH
42 months (4 years)           ± 3 months                        =          8 TOOTH (Full-mouth)(Volbek)
Gummer (Slytbek) (6-8 years)                                    =          Old, stumpy teeth (or very long teeth, if little wear   takes place)



Cattle age 



Correct way to check sheep and goats
The lifting of lips to expose the teeth should take place in such a way as to prevent unnecessary stress to the animal.  Use index and middle finger or thumb preferably.


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