Age Estimation

2.2 AGE ESTIMATION

When is age estimation important?

When diagnosing a disease: Certain diseases are associated with age.

When purchasing an animal: An animal owner who cannot estimate age may unknowingly purchase an animal that is quite old and unproductive.

When predicting how an animal may respond to treatment: Younger animals recover from injury, especially broken bones, more rapidly than older animals. Older animals are more resistant to certain infectious diseases than younger animals.

Age Estimation of a HORSE, MULE OR BURRO

8 days: First pair of "milk" lower teeth appear.

8 weeks: Second pair of “milk” lower teeth appear.

8 months: Third pair of “milk” lower teeth appear.