Breed and Sex Differences in the Age of Appearance of the Bovine Central Incisor Teeth

Abstract

Data were examined from a cross-sectional survey of cattle between 15 and 27 months of age to determine the presence or absence of emergence of the central incisor teeth. Bulls, steers and heifers of the Friesian, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford breeds were studied. A mathematical model was produced. Permanent central incisor emergence was about seven and a half weeks later in Hereford than either Friesian or Aberdeen Angus cattle. Heifers appeared to be about a month later in eruption of their permanent teeth than male cattle. It would also seem that 90% of teeth erupted within a five month period.