Does Caballine Fold Define Caballines?

Abstract

A sample of 35 upper cheek series belonging to Garrano (n=30) and Galego (n=5) specimens were studied in order to describe pli caballin (caballine fold). Occlusal aspects presented much cement and they were moderately complex, and pli was absent in more than half of studied M1 and M2 (56.5% and 57.9% respectively). Moreover, most, but not all premolars presented pli (80.8%, 77.8% and 67.9% for pM1, pM2, pM3 respectively). So, the presence of pli caballin is not an absolute descriptor of Equus caballus for isolated cheek tooth. The results of this research suggest that it is absolutely needed to study complete teeth series in order to describe dental singularities in equine breeds.