In Tim's live updates frim Niassa, he mentions passing on a sable because it didn't have any secondary growth. What is secondary growth? Anybody have a photo to go with the explanation?

When a sable reaches maturity, its horns continue to grow in length but the circumference stops getting larger. This causes a section at the base of the horns to be parallel instead of tapering toward the tips. The higher this parallel section reaches on the horn the older it is.

465H&H

Scott, also from what I am learning, the bases start being smooth, and no ridges like the rest of the horns. They will likely be shorter as they are worn on tips, but more massive as well. It's killing me!!!

Scott,

Thanks for asking the question. I was wondering the same.

Hartley

Image No 8 is quite a good example of secondary growth;
http://www.kambakosafaris.com/...ique/photo_sable.htm

I learned something here today. Never heard of secondary growth before this thread. But now that it's been pointed out, it's very noticeable. Need to go back and look at mine to see if he has it.

Tim, it looks like you have a great trip going. Congrats again on Mr. Spots!!

Thanks all, I appreciate the information.

This secondary growth is killing me! I have passed up 4-5 bulls you would kill anywhere else in Africa because of it, but I guess that is sound management .

I just took a look at my scimitar horned oryx cow, which I just put on the wall today. She has about 3 inches of the secondary horn growth also.

I have learned something today. Thanks for sharing.