362 



MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



Examination of the teeth. — While the order of the appear- 

 ance of the permanent teeth and their subsequent method of 

 wearing are considered the most accurate means of estimating 

 age among sheep, they are not absolutely accurate nor are 

 they as dependable as in the horse. Teeth in sheep vary much 

 according to the conditions, as in the case of the horse (see 

 page 8). 



Sheep, like cattle, are provided with two sets of teeth ; first, 

 the temporary or milk teeth, and, later, the permanent teeth. 

 The permanent teeth differ from the temporary in their greater 



size. The replacement of the 

 temporary teeth by the perma- 

 nent is made necessary by the 

 increase in size of the jawbone 

 as the animal becomes older. 

 As in the case of cattle, sheep 

 have incisor teeth in the lower 

 jaw only, the upper being pro- 

 vided with a cartilaginous pad. 

 The number likewise is the 

 same, eight in either case. 

 The lamb is often born with 

 one pair of milk teeth and the 

 others soon make their appear- 

 ance. These milk teeth are 

 narrow and peg-like in appear- 

 ance. When the animal is approximately fifteen months of age, 

 the middle pair of milk teeth is replaced by permanent ones, 

 which are fully twice as broad as the milk teeth, hence easily 

 recognized (Fig. 105). The interval between the appearance 

 of the succeeding pairs varies according to conditions, but can 

 be stated as approximately eleven months. In general the age 

 of the animal at the time each pair is up and in full wear 

 may be estimated as follows : — 



Fig. 105.- 



- Sheeps' Teeth, illus- 

 trating Age. 



12 months. — 15 months. 

 26 months. — 37 months. 

 48 months. — 8 years. 



