Bloat in Cattle. IV. the Role of Bovine Saliva, Plant Mucilages, and Animal Mucins

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Abstract
The antifoaming activity of bovine saliva, plant mucilages, and animal mucins was tested on alfalfa saponin foams in vitro. Bovine saliva and two animal mucins effectively inhibited foam formation. Five sets of fistulated identical-twin cows were used to test the bloat preventing ability of several plant mucilages and animal mucins placed in the rumen before pasturing alfalfa. The two animal mucins effective in vitro were effective in vivo also. Levels of 50 or 75 gm. effectively prevented bloat for at least 4 hours. The role of saliva and mucin in bloat is discussed. It is postulated that bloat results when feeds containing foaming constituents fail to induce sufficient salivary secretion. Mucin appears to serve as a foam-inhibiting and foam-breaking agent. Copyright © . .

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