Determination of the age of cattle on the basis of gross morphological changes in the incisor teeth

Abstract

The present study was carried out on 4800 cattle. The animals were grouped in four age groups on the basis of the stage of eruption (1-5 years), the stage of wearing (5.1-9 years), the stage of coloration (9.1-13 years), and the stage of disruption or "gummer" status (13.1+ years). Methodology for this basis was the sharpness of the incisive ridge, occlusal surface leveling, the appearance of the dental star, and dental arch curvature. Results indicated that the eruption sequence was the most precise marker for cattle up to 5 years of age, with central incisors erupting at 18-24 months and a "full mouth" achieved by 54 months of age. Beyond 5 years, progressive wear patterns was observed. The central incisors were typically levelled by age of 6 years, followed by the appearance of the dental star by age of 9-10 years with the flattening of the dental arch. The study further identifies that coloration (staining) typically emerged by age of 11 years. The terminal disruption stage (13.1+ years) was marked by teeth worn to the gumline (peg teeth) or edentulism (gummer). The study validates that dental development is the gold standard for determination of age which was most important in management decisions, herd valuation, and culling protocols in livestock farming.