![]() ![]() The latter are the 3 back teeth on each side of both the upper and the lower jaw. These milk teeth consist of 12 incisors and 12 molars. The young animal, whether male or female, has 24 temporary teeth, commonly called milk teeth, as they are much whiter than the permanent teeth. They are not usually present in the mare, and accordingly she may be considered to have a total of 36 teeth rather than 40, as in the male. The tushes are located between the incisors and the molars. The 2 central incisors are known as centrals or nippers the next 2, 1 on each side of the nippers, are called intermediates or middles, and the last, or outer pair, the corners. Twenty-four of these are molars or grinders, 12 are incisors or front teeth, and 4 are tushes or pointed teeth. Beyond this time even those who are experienced may find it difficult to determine the exact age. The ordinary observer can readily learn to tell the age of horses or mules with considerable accuracy until the animals have passed their eighth year. This bulletin describes briefly the normal processes of dentition and the changes which time brings about, and explains how to determine the ages of animals by examining their mouths. Theoretical knowledge, however, is not sufficient, and any one who would become proficient must also have practical experience. With a knowledge of the age at which the teeth appear, the time for shedding temporary or milk teeth and their replacement with permanent teeth, and the changes in form which result from natural wear, the approximate age of farm animals can be determined. ![]() Certainly for generations the appearance, development, and subsequent wear of the teeth has been recognized as a dependable means of judging approximately the age of animals. The old saying, “Do not look a gift horse in the mouth,” is attributed to Saint Jerome, of the fifth century, who used this expression in one of his commentaries. The possibility of judging in this manner apparently was well known in ancient days. Changes which take place in the teeth, however, afford the best opportunity of determining the age.Įstablishing the age of farm animals through the appearance of the teeth is no new thing. They affect the general outward appearance and disposition and, within certain limitations, it is not difficult by mere general appearance to distinguish the young animal from one that has reached maturity, or even to determine the approximate age of an old animal. Physical changes within the body are constant. The age of animals, therefore, is a matter of utmost importance to the breeder, the seller, and the buyer. For this reason the returns from livestock tend to decrease with advanced years. The productive life of farm animals is comparatively brief, the height of their usefulness being limited to a few years. ![]() Importance of Determining the Age of Farm Animals Pope, chief, Field Inspection Division, Bureau of Animal Industry Determining the Age of Farm Animals by their Teethīy George W. ![]()
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