[Jacob-list] toothless sheep

[Mary Hansson]

Hi,
 
I have seen tremendous variations in teeth quality in my ewes.  For example:  
 
Barking Rock Bliss is 13 and has excellent teeth--1 loose for about a year now
Maverick Amita had 1 tooth left, but of "typical" length
Culloden Charity (adult in spring 1992) has all her teeth, although they are much shorter than many others
Culloden Hope and Faith (?? 10 years old) basically have nubs above the gumline left of their teeth---all present.
 
I have seen a big difference in teeth from various lines as well as from different food stuffs.  Most of the Culloden sheep had much shorter teeth---but they have lived most of their lives on the outerbanks of the east coast where the grass and sand was mixed.
 
Bliss has been on grain mix, a little grass, and lots of hay most of her life.
 
Amita similar to Bliss.
 
I would NOT hazard a guess on age based on teeth length or presence at all....

Mary Ellen


Mary Ellen Hansson, MEd, RD, LDN
ISeeSpots Farm
Jacob Sheep:  Lambs, adults, wool
www.iseespots.com
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