202 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



the wool on different parts to vary in density, length, and fine- 

 ness, the aim of the breeder is to produce a fleece as nearly 

 uniform throughout as possible. 



Age from the teeth. The teeth are a fairly reliable indica- 

 tion of the age of a sheep. The lamb has eight temporary 

 incisors, or milk teeth, in the lower jaw. There are no incisors 

 in the upper jaw. At 14 months of age, the middle pair of milk 

 teeth is supplanted by a pair of larger, permanent incisors. At 

 2 years, the second pair of permanent incisors appears; at 3 

 years, there are three pairs; and at 4 years, all eight permanent 

 incisors are in place. At five years, the teeth show more width 

 between, and at six, the corner teeth may be broken out or the 

 mouth may show signs of wear. Broken-mouthed sheep have 

 their usefulness much impaired, and should not be kept unless 

 for special reasons. 



