Age Determination of Bovine Foetuses

Abstract

The need for methods for age determination of foetuses is defined. X-ray examination of the foetal head is recommended as the surest basis for age determination. Calculations are made concerning the correlation between cranial length and foetal age, and the methods used for measurements are described in detail. Measurements of the metacarpus and metatarsus may also be used, but they give a poorer correlation. A formula is worked out for age determination based on cranial measurements. On x-ray photographs, tooth development is seen to occur in an obvious sequence. This is described. However, the interpretation of these observations is subjective and requires control material for comparison. The same is true for the sequence of ossification of the skeleton, which in foetuses < 120 days gives the surest basis for evaluation. Here, too, a wide range of control material for comparison is necessary. The sequence in the appearance of body hair — development and eruption — is noted, as far as the head is concerned. This alone gives an insecure basis for evaluation. By using the 4 systems of parameters mentioned, the age of a foetus can be determined within an error of ± 4—5 days.