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