SUSPECTED CHRONIC FLUOROSIS IN A SHEEP FLOCK

An estimated average daily intake of 107 g of a lick containing 3,4% o f a commercial non-defluorinated rockphosphate, which has an average f luoride content of 2,5% m/m, caused an outbreak of suspected chronic f luorosis in a Dohne Merino sheep flock in the eastern Cape. Thirty sev en per cent of the commercial 4-tooth animals were affected, whereas o nly 17% of the stud component of the same age group, which were in a b etter nutritional condition, showed clinical signs of fluorosis. Twent y per cent and 33,3% of the 6-tooth wethers and ewes respectively, wer e affected. Younger sheep and sheep in a relatively poor body conditio n, were more affected than older sheep and those in a relatively bette r condition. Non-defluorinated non-registered mineral sources should n ot be included in supplementary rations for sheep.