Distribution and Excretion of F18 Fluoride in Beef Cattle

Abstract

Blood, saliva, urine and fecal samples from two beef heifers and 12 mature beef cows given tracer levels of F¹⁸ showed that F¹⁸ was distributed and excreted rapidly. After 2 min., 53% of the dose remained in the blood, but after 240 min., only 4% of the dose remained in the blood. The F¹⁸ in the protein-free filtrate was higher than in the plasma or cells. Tissue samples taken at 240 min. after dosing showed high concentrations of F¹⁸ in lung, kidney, rumen wall, reticular wall and in bone. Continued feeding of fluoride did not influence metabolism or excretion of F¹⁸. Stable fluoride varied with the levels of fluoride fed.