The Eruption Patterns of the Teeth of Nigerian Local Pigs (Sus scrofa): Profile of Deciduous Teeth

Abstract

The pigs, domesticated about 6000 years ago, are highly prolific omnivores belonging to the Family Suidae and Order artiodactyla along with their other hooved counterparts. They qualify as models for various translational research studies (including dental studies) because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. There is however a dearth of information as regards the deciduous dental eruption profile (sequence and timing of eruption) of the Nigerian local pigs (NLP). This study was designed to determine the deciduous eruption profile in the NLP to assist in the management of the breed and in a bid to making the NLP more obvious as suitable animal models in dental research. A total of 51 healthy piglets (from postnatal day 1) were used for this. Their oral cavities were examined every other day for 29 weeks for signs of dental eruption. Looking at Mandibular (Md) and Maxillary (Mx) eruptions for Incisors (I), Canines (C), Premolars (P) and Molars (M). The modular sequence in the NIP was Md/ Mx I3 (at birth), C (at birth) →Md I1→Md P3→MxP3 →MxI1 → Md I2 →MdP4 →MxP4 →MxP2→ Md I2 →MxI2. It was also observed that variations in eruption timing exist amongst individuals and sexes while variation in eruption sequence exists between NLP and various breeds of pigs based on the literature. The results of this study will be particularly important to farmers, and researchers into NLP especially those using pigs in Nigeria as a model for translation research.