DETERMINING THE AGE OF HORSES 



247 



incisors f, canines (incipient in the females), f, 

 molars t, f =1-0 =40. As the incisor teeth only are 

 usually inspected when the age of the horse is to be de- 

 termined, they alone will be discussed here. The colt 

 is provided, before the end of the first year, with 

 twelve temporary incisor or milk-teeth. The differ- 

 ence in size of the jaw-bone of the foal and the 

 horse makes a change from milk to permanent teeth 

 necessary. 



Usually from one to two weeks after the foal is 

 born, two center nippers in each jaw are plainly visi- 

 ble and appear as shown in Fig. 59. It will be noticed 

 that these teeth are long from right to left and have 

 well-defined cups, or "maiks," and that they show little 

 or no wear. These char- 

 acteristics should be noted 

 carefully, for all tempo- 

 rary and permanent teeth 

 when new have pro- 

 nounced distinguishing 

 marks. If the age of the 

 colt and horse is to be 

 determined with any de- 

 gree of accuracy, not only 

 the number but the shape, 

 character and various changes, as the teeth progress in 

 age, should be most carefully noted. 



At from four to six weeks of age, by reason of use 

 the first pairs of nippers will have been worn down 

 level, that is, the inside of the teeth will show level 

 with the outside. The outside edges of new teeth arc 



FIG. 59. 

 From one to two weeks old. 



