THE OX AND THE DAIRY. 



We have already detailed the characteristic peculiarities in 

 the dentition of the ox peculiarities which distinguish be- 

 tween the ruminants and all other herbivorous quadrupeds ; 

 but, as in the case of the horse, there are certain points con- 

 nected with the dentition of the ox which ought to be under- 

 stood by every practical farmer, for it is by the characters and 

 changes of the incisor teeth of the lower jaw, that the age 

 of the ox may be the most correctly estimated. The regular 

 number of these incisors, as we have stated, is eight in num- 

 ber; but the first set are deciduous, being gradually shed, 

 and replaced by a new series. The new-born calf has gene- 

 rally two central incisors protruding through the gum, and 



more or less developed ; these, like the others about to follow, 

 are covered with white enamel, and have sharp edges and 

 slender roots About the close of the second week, a tooth 



SECOND WEEK. 



