Ruminant pt 4 Flashcards
What are the characteristics of group I saliva?
Isotonic, strongly buffered, and produced continuously (Parotid, inferior molar, palatine, pharyngeal and buccal)
What are the characteristics of Group II saliva?
Hypotonic, weakly buffered, and is produced mainly during feeding (Submaxillary, sublingual and labial)
What is the chemical composition of saliva?
pH 8.5
Dry matter 1.4%
Ash 0.1%
Nitrogen (mostly urea) 0.1-0.2%
What are the buffering compounds found in saliva?
Mostly bicarb but also phosphate
How much saliva is secreted?
Sheep: 6-10L
Cows: 50-200
What factors effect parotid saliva secretion?
Ruminating and diet type
What factor effects submaxillary saliva secretion?
Eating and diet type
What is the function of saliva?
- Lubrication and taste
- Enzyme activity
- Source of nutrients for ruminal microorganisms
- Influence nutrient removal from rumen
- Antifoaming agent
- Convey antibodies
- Buffering
How can you collect ruminal contents?
- Stomach tube
- Ruminal cannula
- Rumenocentesis
What is the otpimal ruminal pH?
6.8
What microbe has the largest pH range it can survive in?
Bacteria
What is the highest pH that microbes in the rumen can survive in?
7.5
How is ruminal pH regulated?
- Feed stuffs: mineral compounds
- Salivary compounds: bicarb and phosphates
- Fermentation products: VFA, lactate, and ammonia
When do we need to enhance ruminal buffering capacity?
Need this if diet does not provoke much saliva.
- Don’t require much mastication/rumination
- High moisture content
- Diets that contain acids or generate more acids
How do you enhance ruminal buffering capacity?
- Diets that produce less acid and or have high buffering capacity
- Stimulate secretion by salivary glands
- Dietary supplementation of buffers