Prevalence of flurosis in crossbreds on an organized farm

The herd strength of the farm was 480 crossbreds containing 393 females and 87 males, out of which 43 females and 15 males suffered from fluorosis leading to overall prevalence of 12.08%. It is revealed that overall prevalence in males (17.24%) was higher as compare to the females (11.05%). The prevalence in males below six months of age group and in six months and above (adults) was recorded to be 16.66% and 17.46% respectively. The adults and calves were equally susceptible to fluorosis in both sexes while heifers were least susceptible (3.12%). Genetic group wise studies concluded that, prevalence in Brown swiss 50% + Holstein Frisian 25% + Gir 25% (16.88%), then comes Holstein Frisian 50% + Gir 50% (15.84%), then (11.94%) in Holstein Frisian 50% + Jersey 25% + Gir 25% and least (5.95%) was recorded in reciprocal crosses. Clinical examination revealed two forms viz: osteodental fluorosis and osteofluorosis. The level of fluorine in serum samples ranged between 1.0 to 7.0 μg/ml. Epidemiological investigation could not ascertain the source of fluorine intake. Drop in milk production, adverse effect on reproduction and evidence of hypothyroidism were not recorded in any animal. Aluminium sulphate @ 30 gms to 45 gms/day was given as a curative treatment while in chronic cases of fluorosis @ 20 gms/animal was given for 15 days keeping 7 days gap and again given for 15 days till there is improvement in clinical symptoms. There was no recurrence of clinical symptoms and no addition of new cases.