The role of saliva in the feeding of ruminants
The saliva in ruminants comes from different glands and according to Church (1993), saliva is a mixture of serous and mucous fluid, which is released by the stimulus of chewing, saliva is much more than a simple lubricant in the mouth of ruminants, it plays a fundamental role in the digestion process, especially in the use of fibrous foods that constitute the basis of their diet. It can be mentioned that there is secretion of the bicarbonate ion in the saliva, said ion is of great importance in ruminant animals because it provides a buffer effect that neutralizes the excessive amounts of the acid that is produced in the pre-stomachs.
The secretion of saliva is under the control of the autonomic nervous system that controls the amount, it is estimated that ruminants produce abundant amounts of saliva, according to certain researchers cows can produce approximately 150 liters of saliva a day. Saliva, often underestimated in the digestion of animals, plays a crucial role in the feeding of ruminants, these animals, such as cows, sheep and goats, have a specialized digestive system that allows them to process fibrous foods such as grass, saliva is a key component in this complex process.
The main function of saliva is to help in chewing and swallowing, it also contributes significantly to the buffering of rumen fermentation, this means that it contributes to maintaining the balanced pH, it provides nitrogen, phosphorus and sodium to the microorganisms present in the rumen.
| The main functions of saliva in ruminants |
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1.Ruminal pH buffering:
- or the fermentation of food in the rumen produces acids, which can lower the pH and create a hostile environment for beneficial bacteria.
- or saliva, rich in bicarbonate, acts as a buffer, neutralizing these acids and maintaining an optimal pH for the growth of rumen microorganisms.
2.Facilitation of rumination:
- Saliva moistens the food, which facilitates the formation of the food bolus and its regurgitation during rumination.
- Rumination is an essential process in which ruminants regurgitate partially digested food in order to chew it again and increase the contact surface with microorganisms.
3.Contribution of nutrients:
- Although in a smaller amount than other foods, saliva provides water, sodium, potassium and other essential minerals for rumen metabolism.
- These nutrients are used by microorganisms for their metabolic processes and for the synthesis of microbial proteins, which are an important source of amino acids for the animal.
4.Lubrication of the digestive tract:
- Saliva helps to lubricate the esophagus and other organs of the digestive tract, facilitating the passage of food.
Among the factors that affect the production of saliva are the type of diet, since diets rich in fodder stimulate a greater production of saliva compared to diets based on concentrated foods, on the other hand, saliva is a source of non-protein nitrogen, because urea synthesized in the animal's liver is secreted in the saliva to nourish the ruminal microbiota.
Dear readers, proper saliva production is essential to maintain a healthy and efficient rumen. A healthy rumen allows ruminants to make the most of fibrous feeds, improve feed efficiency. In summary, saliva is much more than a simple lubricating liquid in ruminants, it plays a fundamental role in maintaining ruminal pH, facilitating rumination, providing nutrients and lubricating the digestive tract. Understanding the importance of saliva in ruminant feeding is key to optimizing animal production and improving the sustainability of livestock systems.
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| Bibliographic references |
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- Church, C.D (1993). The ruminant, digestive physiology and nutrition. Editorial, Acribia. Zaragoza: Spain.
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Wow so detailed. I never knew that saliva is really that beneficial to these animals and it is really evident that it is. That means a lot of farmers should make use of this
The organism of animals is a very complex system, where all the elements are fundamental. Thank you for your valuable comment.