CHAPTER VII 
JUDGING CATTLE 
Since the age of cattle is a very important factor in determining 
their value, we should learn the methods of estimating it before 
attempting to judge them. 
209. How to estimate the age of cattle. — As with horses, 
the teeth furnish the best index to the age of cattle, although the 
horns, when present, are used to some 
extent. While the order of the ap- 
pearance of the permanent teeth and 
their method of wearing are considered 
the most accurate means of estimating 
age among cattle, they are not abso- 
lutely accurate nor are they as depend- 
able as in the horse. Teeth in cattle 
vary in much the same manner as in 
the horse (p. 34). 
The calf is often born with the cen- 
tral pair of milk teeth, and the remain- 
ing pairs appear within the first month 
after birth. The calf is provided with 
four pairs of incisor teeth. There are 
incisors in the lower jaw only, the up- 
per being provided with a cartilaginous 
pad. 
Fic. 58.— Cow's teeth arranged When the animal is approximately 
spate oe ee eighteen months of age, the middle 
row 18 months, third row 27 pair of milk teeth is replaced by per- 
eaumeney oe ate manent ones, which are fully twice as 
row ten years of age. broad as the milk teeth, hence easily 
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