Effect of boron on urinary and faecal excretion of minerals in buffalo calves fed high fluoride ration

In order to assess the ameliorative effect of boron (B) in the buffalo calves fed high fluoride (F) diet, 12 male Murrah buffalo calves of 6–8 month old were divided into three groups. Fluoride was added in the ration (as sodium fluoride, NaF) to make 60 ppm F on DM basis in group II and III were compared to group I (control). Boron was added in the ration (as borax, Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O) to make 140 ppm B on DM basis in group III. After 90 days of experimental feeding, a metabolism trail of 7 days duration was conducted. Urine and faecal samples were collected and analysed for fluorine (F), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). The level of F (@60 ppm) as well as B in ration did not cause a significant change in P, Zn, Cu and Fe excretion in urine and faeces. However, urinary F (42.29±2.62 ppm) and Ca (0.56±0.01) g/head/day excretion was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group II due to F addition. Further, faecal F excretion was significantly (P<0.05) higher (91.52±4.60 ppm) in group III compared to other groups due to F and B in group III. Results indicated that boron has ameliorative effect on high F intake as it induced removal of F through faeces.