Practical aspects of grass-cutter (Thryonomys swinderanus) breeding. V. Normal growth and wear of incisors

Abstract

During the breeding of grass-cutters in captivity, problems resulting from incisors in bad conditions and insufficient wear were observed. In order to understand the origin of this phenomen incisor growth and wear were studied in grass-cutters aged between 4 and 12 months. Incisor growth was 0.039-0.055 mm per day and wear was 0.033-0.040 mm per day. Accordingly growth excess was 0.006-0.015 mm per day but did not cause any dental problem.