Stocker Steve
Well-known member
Some short term cows have a very wide nose, and they move like they are older than most. Is nose width a good indication of advanced age, and about how old do they be to start having this look?
A broad muzzle is one of the structural traits that we select for so all of them have wide muzzles to a degree. Never have noticed any change. I could understand it appearing wider as a cow ages and her head gets longer looking.kenny thomas":39zcg5xl said:Sorry Dun but we disagree on this one. Nose width seems to look wider with age. Don't know if it really is but it looks that way. If you have some pictures of a young cow that is now old compare it.
kenny thomas":3dgagpzc said:what is the advantage of the broad muzzle? Anything other than looks?
cfpinz":3co2ncf1 said:I think the broad muzzle is more prevelant on older cow, or more noticeable anyway. My theory is that as the teeth wear away/disappear it allows the lower jaw to close a bit more and makes the flaps on the side pooch out more, thus looking like a wider muzzle.
Stocker Steve":dm9oel0u said:cfpinz":dm9oel0u said:I think the broad muzzle is more prevelant on older cow, or more noticeable anyway. My theory is that as the teeth wear away/disappear it allows the lower jaw to close a bit more and makes the flaps on the side pooch out more, thus looking like a wider muzzle.
Sounds reasonable. So wide muzzle could mean smooth mouth in this case?
dun":19ds6nar said:kenny thomas":19ds6nar said:what is the advantage of the broad muzzle? Anything other than looks?
More breathing ability and a wider mouh for forage intake.