The Quadratic Crown Height Method and bovidae: Ageing sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus) and cattle (Bos taurus)

- Existing formulae for the Quadratic Crown Height Method of ageing are assessed for their suitability onto bovids (here cattle, sheep and goats).
- New formulae are presented for the D4, M1 and M2 which provide accurate estimations of age for both younger as well as older individuals.
- Age estimates are obtained on domestic bovids from three Neolithic sites using these formulae. These are compared with their wear stages from visual assessment of toothwear to show correspondence.
- The sample sizes available from each site using visual vs. QCHM toothwear are compared. In each case the ageable sample is doubled if not tripled by the ability to include loose teeth for precise age assessment.