Ageing domestic sheep (Ovis aries L.) from growth lines in the cementum of the first incisor

First incisor teeth from known‐age domestic sheep were examined to determine whether annual lines developed, and to test 3 processing techniques. Fluorescing lines in undecalcified, unstained transverse sections indicated completed years in 44 % of teeth. Dark lines in decalcified, stained transverse sections indicated completed years in 8 % of teeth. Dark lines seen by reflected light in undecalcified roots ground transversely by hand indicated completed years in 62 % of teeth. Grinding by hand was the simplest, quickest, and most dependable method.