Estimation of Age and Dentition in Important Livestock Species and Pets Antemortem and Post-Mortem Examination General and Special Certifications

Abstract

The economic activity of animals is directly related to age. Age determines both productive and reproductive traits of animals, which are a direct indicator of the economic importance of an animal. Dentition plays a vital role in determining the age of animals whereby the correct age of animals can be deduced, and further activity is determined on this basis. Animals reared for meat have to pass quality check-ups before their meat flows through the human food chain. The examination of animals before slaughter and following slaughter gains importance so that meat of inferior, substandard quality does not find access to humans thus keeping the health of humans safe. Certifications are of utmost importance in the proper identification and subsequent checking of animal and animal products whereby proper and delinquently done check-ups provide sufficient evidence for the quality of products available in the market.