I bring your
attention to P.67 of Simonds 1854 The age of ox, sheep and pig, who
writes:-
'With increasing
evidence of a speedy fall of the middle incisors, we arrive at one year and nine
months. At this time the central incisors are often removed by the permanent.
This change is generally observed in animals whose vigour of constitution and
power of arriving at maturity has been aided by a liberal diet. It is therefore
that we see it principally among our competing breeds of Short-horns, Herefords
and Devons. Such cases, however, are met with in other breeds, and even more
frequently than is generally supposed'.
To my mind, a
beautiful writing style as well as informative.
He does go on to say
that in some cattle these permanent incisors do not show until 2 years. The
second pair are then 'cut' at about 2 years and a quarter, the third by 2 years
and three quarters and the fourth pair by 3 years and a
quarter.
I hope this
helps
All the
best
Kevin
Kevin Rielly
Archaeozoologist
Museum of London Specialist Services
Tel: 020 7566 9332
Fax: 020 7490 3955
http://www.molss.org.uk
