ANN 111: Principles of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

FLUORINE 

• Fluorine is a very toxic element, with ruminants being more susceptible than non-ruminants. It causes a condition called as fluorosis.
• There is dental pitting and wear, leading to exposed pulp cavities. Further increases in fluorine cause depression of appetite, lameness and reduced production.
• Bone and joint abnormalities also occur, probably owing to ingested fluorine being deposited in the bone crystal lattice as calcium fluoride.
• The commonest sources of danger from this element are fluoride-containing water, herbage contaminated by dust from industrial pollution and the use of soft or raw rock phosphate supplements. Processed phosphates are generally safe.