Sheep’s & Goats’ AGE DETERMINATION & TEETH EXAMINATION
September 9, 2024
Age determination is done to determine age and flock composition, and to identify dental defects and diseases.
Age determination in sheep and goats Age determination is done to determine age and flock composition, and to identify dental defects and diseases.
Lifting the lips to expose the teeth should take place in such a way as to prevent unnecessary stress to the animal. The following illustration shows how this should be done: Preferably use the index and middle finger or thumb to open the lips.
It is important not to confuse the temporary teeth in a year-old animal, which has not yet started teething, with those of an adult sheep that is four years of age (“full mouth”). The more mature characteristics of the face will be helpful in this regard.
| Sheep’s (and goats’) age are indicated as follows: | ||
| 15 months (1 year) | ± 3 months | = 2-tooth (two permanent teeth) |
| 24 months (2 years) | ± 3 months | = 4-tooth |
| 33 months (3 years) | ± 3 months | = 6-tooth |
| 42 months (4 years) | ± 3 months | = 8-tooth (full-mouth) |
| Gummer (6-8 years) | = Old, stumpy teeth (or very long teeth, if little wear takes place) | |
Once animals reach this stage, they will already have lost condition
(because of poor intake) and it would be too costly to feed them to regain condition for slaughter purposes. This is why breeding animals should not usually be retained in the flock when older than eight years.
On lush, soft pastures (intensive systems), there is virtually no wear on the teeth. These then grow out long to eventually impair feed intake. In the past teeth such as these were filed down (“teeth grinding”), but this is not an acceptable practice as it is painful and unnecessary.
