Expert opinion: How can I tell the age of an animal?
I need to buy a heifer to start a zero-grazing project. But I am afraid they might sell me an old one that is no longer productive. Is there a way I can tell the age of an animal?
I need to buy a heifer to start a zero-grazing project. But I am afraid they might sell me an old one that is no longer productive. Is there a way I can tell the age of an animal?
Answer
You can look at its teeth for a more accurate guide idea of the animals age.
You can estimate the age of a young animal to within six months by looking at its temporary front teeth.
Young animals have temporary teeth that fall out as they get older. These are replaced by permanent teeth. Temporary teeth are usually small and a different shape from permanent teeth which are usually larger and straight sided. The middle pair of teeth is replaced first, then the others on each side as the animal grows older.
It is not possible to tell the age of older animals accurately.
You can guess the age because the permanent teeth wear down as the animal gets older, but this also depends on what the animal eats.
Answer
You can look at its teeth for a more accurate guide idea of the animals age.
You can estimate the age of a young animal to within six months by looking at its temporary front teeth.
Young animals have temporary teeth that fall out as they get older. These are replaced by permanent teeth. Temporary teeth are usually small and a different shape from permanent teeth which are usually larger and straight sided. The middle pair of teeth is replaced first, then the others on each side as the animal grows older.
It is not possible to tell the age of older animals accurately.
You can guess the age because the permanent teeth wear down as the animal gets older, but this also depends on what the animal eats.