A field study of the association between periodontal disease and body condition in sheep

Three farms with a high prevalence of periodontal disease (PD) were selected using data from a December 1983/January 1984 survey. On each of these farms in August 1984, the incisor condition and body condition score of about 50 ewes were noted. Two of the farms and an additional farm with a high prevalence of PD were visited again in August 1985, and on each, incisor condition and body weights of about 150 ewes were recorded. On one farm only was there a significant association between PD and body condition or weight, and it occurred in both years.