Studies of the Effects of Dietary NaF on Dairy Cows

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Abstract
The effects of dietary increments of fluorine fed as the soluble NaF salt to young adequately nurtured dairy cows for a period of 5½ years and through 5 lactations have been studied. The data obtained permit the classification of the evidence into three categories in relation to fluorine ingestion, and subsequent development of fluorine toxicosis. The symptoms just enumerated were observed in two out of three animals fed 50 p.p.m. of fluorine during the third year on experiment. They were also observed in two out of three animals fed 50 p.p.m. fluorine with extra calcium and beginning in two out of 4 animals fed 40 p.p.m. during the 5th year. The inclusion of added calcium in the ration increased the tolerance of these cows to fluroine. Other criteria observed were fluorine concentrations in excess of 6,000 p.p.m. in rib biopsy and in urine levels above 30 p.p.m. Concurrently, teeth classifications were 5A or higher. From these results it would appear that lactating dairy cows tolerate 30 p.p.m. of fluorine fed as NaF with comparative safety, that 40 p.p.m. is near marginal tolerance level and 50 p.p.m. causes the development of fluorosis within three to 5½ years.

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