Studies of the Effects of Dietary Sodium Fluoride on Dairy Cows. V. A Three-year Study on Mature Animals

Abstract

The effects of 30 and 50 ppm F fed as the NaF salt to mature, adequately nurtured dairy cows for a period of 3 lactations have been studied. Fluorine concentration in bones, urine and, to some extent, the soft tissues increased. At both levels of intake some evidence of exostosis was evident in the excised long bones after they had been cleaned of adhering tissue. This condition was not discernible before slaughter, nor did it affect the gait of animals. There was no evidence of impairment of lactation or effect on the maintenance of body weight. In these cows the incisor teeth were not clinically affected by fluorine ingestion. From these results, it would appear that lactating dairy cows 1st exposed at from 4 to 6 yr. of age will tolerate the ingestion of as much as 50 ppm F for as long as 3 lactations, with no adverse effects other than mild exostosis of the long bones and increased concentrations of fluorine in the body.