A PIG’S TEETH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 180, 1 July 1937, Page 5

A PIG’S TEETH.

INDICATIONS AS TO AGE. Like (lie teeth of the sheep, those of the pig give a somewhat reliable indication of the animal’s age. The following description of the teeth of a pig at various ages, furnished by Mr A.'. If. Robin, I'■ V. S., and veterinary officer, in the South Australian Department of Agriculture, will prove useful to farmers At birth the pig. has two sharp-pointed teeth placed laterally on either side of both the too and bottom jaws in front (making eighth'teeth in all). These teeth are like small tusks, and are really t lio temporary* tusks and temporary “corner” incisors. At: one month old two "temporaro “central” incisor teeth are “cut” in both top and bottom jaws, and there are also three temporary molars or “grinding” teeth on each rsido top and bottom, 11 10 front of Ihc threo just appearing through the gum. At two months old the temporary ‘“central incisors arc fully developed. and there are signs of the eruption of the “lateral” temporary incisors. The first temporary* mo-ars are now nearly* level with the other two. At three months old the temporary set of incisor teeth arc usually fully developed, the “laterals” being well up. CHANGES.

Between the ages of three months and seven to eight months no . changes, ,qeyond those of yvear. occur in the incisor teeth to assist it) determining the ageot the pig. But a very definite change ooours with respect to the molar teeth a,« follows:—At five months old there ap pears on each side jaw top and bottom signs of the cutting of a. fourth molar tooth behind the first three. Ulus* is the first of the permanent teeth. may be cut at this time also a sina'l “pre-molar” tootli in front of the Ins. tiiree molars, though this tooth is some times not developed at all. At seven to eight months old the temporary cor ner incisors' become shed and replace’ by permanent teeth, which may he ‘een just jutting through the gums. At nine months old the permanent corner incisors are well up and the permanent tusks are seen coming through the gums in place -of the temporary ones, which are shed. Between 10 and 12 months old the fifth molar is cut (on each side top and bottom). At one year old the central permanent incisors show signs of coming through the gums to replace the temporary toe l. which become shed. At 15 months o i the three anterior “permanent molars are. in the mouth, and are readily recognised by their, sharp points and unworn appearance. These #’th are iciv '’' h ll lar at the time of their appearance. A the ago of 17 to 18 months the sixth molar is cut, and the “lateral temporary incisors are shed and replace by new permanent teeth, which may be seen just coming through (ho gums. Sometimes one lateral may be well up though the other is just coming through. At two years old the lateral permanent incisors are up level with the ethers and begin to show signs of wear on their edges. The sixth molar is well up clear of the gums.