Salivation in Cattle. I. Feed and Animal Factors Affecting Salivation and Its Relation to Bloat

Abstract

Studies on saliva secretion were nmde with rumen-fistulated, identical-twin cattle of varying bloat susceptibilities fed alfalfa pasture or hay. Collection of feed boluses at the cardia showed 2.90 kg saliva added per kilogram of dry matter eaten on lush alfalfa pasture, 2.70 kg on freshly cut succulent alfalfa, 3.30 kg on mature pasture, and 3.25 kg on hay. Total saliva added per feeding was 8.0 kg with freshly cut Mfalfa and 15.8 kg with hay.