Panman Gerard

HOW TO TELL THE AGE OF GOATS & SHEEP BY THEIR TEETH:

Ever wondered how farmers know the age of their goats or sheep without records? It’s simple - just check the teeth 🦷

Here’s a quick guide:

Birth to 12 months (Lambs/Kids): They have 8 baby/milk teeth on the lower jaw.

1 year (Yearling, 2-toothed): The 2 middle baby teeth are replaced by permanent incisors.

2 to 3 years (4-toothed): Two more permanent teeth grow next to the central ones.

3 to 4 years (6-toothed): Another pair of permanent teeth come in, making six.

4 to 5 years (Full mouth, 8-toothed): All incisors are permanent, showing a strong “solid mouth.”

7 to 8 years (Solid mouth): Teeth show wear but are still intact.

10 years and above: Teeth start breaking (called a “broken mouth”). If all teeth fall out, the animal becomes a “gummer” and struggles to graze.

👉 Knowing the age of your goats and sheep helps in breeding, culling, and proper management. Young animals are best for growth and breeding, while older ones are often kept for limited production or sold off.

So, next time you’re handling your flock, just take a peek at those teeth - you’ll know their story right away!

SO YOU WANT TO GO INTO LIVESTOCK FARMING?
READ THIS FIRST!

They’ll tell you how much you can make in a year.
They’ll show you pictures of fat rams, bouncing goats, and cattle living large.
But will they tell you about the dārk side of this business? 🤔

Let me help you out.

Nobody talks about the part where one infēcted animal can wīpe out your whole farm.
They don’t tell you that your animals can be eating and jumping today, and by morning… you’re dīgging a shallow grāve.

Transporting animals? Ha! You can lōse 2 or 3 on the road due to stress before they ever see your farm gate. 😩

Now here’s a rough truth many won’t believe:

In Kasuwan Chanu market, Maiduguri, over 100 animals including goats, sheep, and cattle are slaūghtēred DAILY.
Yes, you read that right. Every. Single. Day.
You can’t even fact-check this one. Just go there and feel the reality.

And that’s not counting the ones dyīng quietly on farms across town.
This business is not vibes but it’s blōod, sweat, and sometimes, a few unexpected tears.

If you’re planning to enter livestock farming, prepare for the wōrst while aiming for the best.
An amateur might lōse two animals and start panicking.
But if you stay long enough in the game, you’ll start saying:
“Ah, na normal lōss. Just count am join.”

Lessons for Aspiring Livestock Farmers:

👉It’s profitable, but not predictable.
👉It will humble you.
👉Invest in vet care, quality feed, and your own emotional resilience.
👉Lōss is not unusual but it’s part of the process.

So before you chase that livestock dream, remember:
In this business, only the rugged survive!

Black and sweet