Dental Health in Cattle: The Overlooked Key to Productivity, Welfare and Sustainability

When we think about cattle health, dental care rarely tops the list. Yet oral health plays a vital role in how well your herd grows, reproduces and even how much methane it produces. It is time we stop overlooking the mouth and start recognising it as a gateway to better performance and sustainability.

Why Teeth Matter More Than You Think

Cattle rely on rumination, chewing their food multiple times to break down fibrous feed. If their teeth are infected, worn or painful, digestion suffers. That means less nutrient absorption, slower growth and reduced fertility. Painful mouths also lead to stress and behavioural changes, affecting overall welfare.

Healthy teeth improve feed efficiency, allowing cattle to convert feed into energy more effectively. This boosts weight gain and supports reproductive health. Better chewing also means less waste and more consistent performance across the herd.

The Antibiotic Connection

Dental disease can lead to infections that require antibiotics. By preventing oral issues, farms can reduce antibiotic use and support responsible stewardship. This is essential for fighting antimicrobial resistance and keeping herds healthy long term.

Methane and the Mouth

Poor dental health affects digestion, which in turn increases methane emissions. Incomplete mastication leads to inefficient fermentation in the rumen. Healthier cattle digest feed more completely and produce less methane per kilogram of meat or litre of milk. That is a win for the environment and your bottom line.

Making Dental Care Routine

Implementing oral exams is easier than you think. Aim for at least one check per year, ideally during other health procedures. Watch for signs like dropped feed, excessive salivation or facial swelling. These may point to dental pain or infection.

Use tools like the new dental gag from Ovation Agriculture to inspect mouths safely and thoroughly. Keep records of findings and treatments, and integrate nutrition that supports dental wear, such as long-stem forage. Avoid sticky or overly processed feeds that can cause buildup and decay.

Healthy mouths mean healthier cattle. Better growth, lower costs, improved welfare and reduced emissions, all starting with a simple oral check.