Calves are typically born with teeth, though their dental anatomy differs significantly from humans. These initial teeth are temporary, known as deciduous or “milk” teeth, and are not present across the entire mouth. The calf’s mouth structure, specifically the lack of upper incisors, is a distinguishing characteristic of all ruminants.
Deciduous Teeth Present at Birth
A newborn calf possesses a total of eight deciduous incisors located exclusively on the lower jaw. These teeth are often partially erupted at birth, with the entire set usually breaking through the gum line within the first 20 days of life. These temporary teeth are smaller and whiter compared to the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them. They are designed to be functional immediately but are less mineralized than their adult counterparts.
The calf’s entire deciduous dentition consists of twenty teeth. This includes the eight lower incisors and twelve premolars and molars located in the back of the mouth on both the upper and lower jaws. This initial set allows the calf to begin feeding on solid foods soon after the first weeks of nursing.
The Function of the Dental Pad
Instead of upper incisors, the calf, like all cattle, possesses a structure called the dental pad on the roof of the mouth. This pad is a thick, cartilaginous surface that serves a specific purpose in the bovine feeding mechanism. It acts as a hard, immobile surface against which the lower incisors press to effectively grasp and shear plant material.
During grazing, the calf wraps its tongue around forage and pinches the vegetation between the sharp lower incisors and the firm upper dental pad to break it off. This mechanism is an efficient way for ruminants to gather coarse feed without upper front teeth. While nursing, the dental pad also provides the necessary counter-pressure point for the lower incisors, allowing the calf to latch firmly onto the cow’s udder.
Permanent Tooth Eruption and Age Determination
The deciduous incisors are eventually replaced by eight larger, stronger permanent incisors in a predictable sequence. This sequence allows farmers and veterinarians to accurately estimate the age of cattle. The replacement process typically begins when the animal is between 18 and 24 months old, starting with the central pair of incisors, known as the pinchers.
The remaining incisors are replaced sequentially:
- The first intermediates erupt next to the pinchers when the animal is approximately two to two-and-aalf years old.
- The second intermediates appear around three to three-and-a-half years of age.
- The final pair of deciduous incisors, known as the corners, are replaced last, typically occurring when the animal is four to five years old.
An animal with all eight permanent incisors fully erupted is referred to as a “full mouth.” This systematic tooth eruption is a reliable indicator for determining the approximate age of cattle.