Teeth Examination Enables Age Determination in Cows
Age Determination in Cows up to 5 years of age is simple and accurate
The Cattle has two permanent incisors at 2 years of age, Four at 3 years of age, Six at 4 years of age and a full mouth of eight Permanent incisors at 5 years of age. Permanent incisors are leveled, both pair as intermediates are partially leveled and the corner incisors show wear, incisors show wear, incisors show noticeable wear at 7 years to 8 years of age, While the middle pairs show noticeable wear at 8 years to 9 years of age. The corner teeth show noticeable wear by the time a cow reaches 10 years of age.
“After the animal passes 6 years of age, its arch gradually loses its rounded contour and becomes nearly straight by the 12 years of life.” Sparks said, In the meantime, the teeth gradually become triangular in shape, distinctly separated and show progressive wearing to stubes, all becoming more marked with advancing Age.”
Sparks said cattle producers cannot afford to keep marginally productive cows when they can be replaced by more Profitable females, not in today’s competitive beef industry.
The following is a guide:
- 1.12 months – All the calf teeth are in place.
- 2.15 months – Centre permanent incisors appear.
- 3.18 months – center permanent incisors showing some wear.
- 4.24 months – first intermediates up.
- 5.30 months – sux broad incisors up.
- 6.36 months – six broad incisors showing wear.
- 7.39 months – corner teeth up.
Read: Hand Milking Techniques: How to Keep it Hygienic
Dr. K. R. Shingal
Former Regional Joint Commissioner of Animal Husbandry,
Government of Maharashtra State, India.
Email Id – Email:drkrshingal@gmail.com