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Correspondence to Author: Shanti Lal Choubisa^1,2*. 

1. Department of Advanced Science and Technology, National Institute of Medical Science and Research, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303121, India;
2. Former Department of Zoology, Government Meera Girls College, MLS University, Udaipur, Rajasthan 303002, India

Abstract:

In India, animal husbandry is primarily practiced in rural areas. This not only positively impacts people’s economic well-being but also strengthens the rural economy. Most middle-class villagers raise cows (Bos taurus) and female water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) to increase milk production and earn more income. Their meat, leather, and dung also provide substantial income to livestock farmers. According to the 20th Livestock Census (2019), the total livestock population in the country is 535.78 million. Of this, approximately 145.12 million are female cattle (cows) and 55.0 million are female buffaloes, totalling approximately 200.12 million female cattle and buffaloes. Thousands of calves are born to these female bovines every year. These calves become a source of income for cattle farmers. Although cattle farmers pay special attention to their health, most don’t know whether the water they provide is suitable for their health. In most rural areas of the country, calves of these animals are typically fed water from hand- pumps, bore-wells, and deep dug- wells. However, when these animals are out grazing, they also drink water from surface water or freshwater sources such as ponds, pools, rivers, and lakes. However, these sources of water are not necessarily safe for their health. Research studies show that fluoride is found in water from hand- pumps, bore-wells, and deep dug- wells in most rural areas of the country. The fluoride content in water from these sources has been found to exceed the safe limit (1.0 ppm or 1.5 ppm) [1-3], which is harmful not only to human health [1, 4-7] but also to the health of these domestic animal species [8-12]. Many rural areas in the country also have varying levels of fluoride in freshwater sources [13-16]. Drinking such water repeatedly over a long period of time can cause fluoride poisoning in these animals, leading to a dangerous disease called fluorosis [1, 11, 12]. However, most livestock owners and villagers are unaware of the causes of fluoride poisoning in their pets.

Citation:

Dr. Shanti Lal Choubisa, Are bovine calves safe in India from drinking water in case of fluoride poisoning?.Journal of Toxicological Research 2026.