Fluorosis in Cattle and Sheep

Animals were used to study the physiological effects of various levels of fluorine. Cows fed rations containing less than 50 ppm fluorine did not show reduction in feed consumption. Above that level, effects were noticed, with reduction in feed consumption and weight loss both correlated with high levels of added F in the diet. Reproduction in cattle was not affected by F until extremely high levels (over 1200 ppm) were reached. In experiments with sheep and cattle, it was found that soluble aluminum compounds (aluminum sulfate) tied up to 20 to 40% of the added fluorine and it was passed in feces. In cows, sheep, rats and rabbits, fluorine content of bones was related to the level of fluorine injection.