Technique for Quantitative Collection of Bovine Saliva

Abstract

A technique was developed for quantitative collection of saliva from one of the parotid glands of the bovine. The technique involved fistulating the gland and collecting saliva continuously using a plastic, tapered insert attached to surgical tubing and collection bottle. Numerous 8-hr. and 24-hr. collections were made from three dairy animals, 2 steers and one cow. In a typical 24-hr. period mean hourly volume of saliva varied from about 100 to 1200 ml., depending on ration fed. The technique is useful in studying ration effects on rate of saliva flow and related rumen metabolism phenomena.