Dental Formula - Ruminants

Cow, Sheep and Goat

Dental Formula

2 (I0/3 C0/1 P3/3) Deciduous

2 (I0/3 C0/1 P3/3 M3/3) Permanent

• Deciduous teeth complete and functional within 2 weeks of birth (3 weeks in sheep and goats)

• Permanent teeth complete and funtional within 42 weeks of birth (48 weeks in sheep and goats)

The Dental Pad

• In the position of the upper teeth

• Soft cartilage

• Acts with lower incisors when grazing

• Dense, richly vascular tissue beneath palatine epithelium attches tightly so it can not be moved during mastication

Incisors

• Only present on lower jaw

• Wide, asymmetrical crowns

Canines

• Only present on lower jaw

• Take on form and function of incisors - 'Incisiform canines'

Molars and Premolars

• Upper teeth more widely separated

• Premolars have one cusp

• Molars have two cusps