Age determination and teeth examination

Age determination and teeth examination

Sheep and goats

Determine age, flock composition, dental defects and diseases

The lifting of lips to expose the teeth should take place in such a way as to prevent unnecessary stress to the animal. The following illustration shows how this should be done: Use the index and middle finger or thumb preferably.

     

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)

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Once animals reach this stage they will already have lost condition, because of poor veld intake.. It is for this reason that breeding animals should not usually be retained in the flock when older  than 8 years.

After this age, the approximate age can be told by the amount of wear on the front teeth. As the animal gets older, the teeth spread apart and finally become loose and some drop out. At this age the animal begins to lose its usefulness as a grazing animal.

Cattle