Fluoride Levels in Water, Animal Feeds, Cow Milk, Cow Urine and Milk Production of Dairy Cattle from Kiambu and Thika Districts in Kenya

Abstract

Kiambu and Thika Districts are situated in Central part of Kenya. Most of the available land is suitable for agricultural use. Majority of the farmers are small scale or subsistence dairy farmers. Intake of excess fluoride in water, feed and mineral supplements may adversely affect health, reproduction and production in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to investigate the levels of fluoride in water, urine, milk and animal feeds and mineral salts from dairy farms in Kiambu and Thika, as well as to relate milk yield and fluoride intake. Samples were analyzed using electroanalysis technique. The overall mean fluoride concentration in feeds from societies was 60.9 + 132.0 mg F/kg. The mean fluoride concentration in feeds from Nderi, Kikuyu, Chania, Limuru, Kiambaa and Lari co-operative societies were: 19.5 +11.3 (n=19) 24.1+28.6 (n=22), 55.2+73.7 (n=18), 67.6+93.4 (n=15), 91.9+226.3 (n=24) and 203.4+ 243.2 (n=6) mg F/kg respectively. Individual dairy co-operative society and the type of sample significantly (p