Age determination in Djallonke sheep by the examination of teeth in the North of Ivory Coast

Abstract

Starting from 852 observations carried out on intensively managed Djallonke sheep whose age was known accurately, the authors studied the dynamics of the replacing of milk incisors in order to establish age standards in relation to the state of teeth. The mean ages for the eruption of permanent incisors as well as the duration of each dental stage were evaluated.

The following standards have been established :
Dental stage                Mean age (in month)
Milk teeth                      0-13
2D                                  13-20
4D                                  20-25
6D                                  25-33
8D                                  > 33                       

These tables show that Djallonke sheep are more precocious than European breeds. However these tïndings must be used cautiously as far as Djallonke sheep bred traditionally are concerned. The latter are less precocious than those bred for intensive or semi-intensive production.