The fluoride content of forage as an environmental quality standard for the protection of livestock

Abstract Livestock are protected from fluorosis primarily by ensuring that the fluoride content of their diet is kept below levels such as those suggested by Suttie (1969). This involves sampling forage from fields at relatively infrequent intervals and averaging the results. This paper examines the variation in the fluoride content of forage at several field sites in the United Kingdom and North America. Following discussion of the problems that arise from spatial and temporal variation in the flouride content of forage, recommendations are made concerning sampling technique and frequency of sampling.