A method for investigating salivation in cattle using pilocarpine as a sialagogue

Abstract

A procedure for the collection of bovine mixed saliva was developed. The method gave repeatable results for both saliva flow rate and protein concentration in individual animals. The effect of the collection technique on parotid secretion in a steer was also examined. Pilocarpine stimulated saliva flow in one cow and inhibited flow in another. Protein concentration of mixed saliva was increased in both cows after treatment with pilocarpine. Other effects of pilocarpine included: increased tonus of the lower oesophagus and reticulo-rumen, reduced food intake, changes in respiration, and sometimes changes in cardiac function. The usefulness of pilocarpine treatment in saliva secretion studies is discussed. © 1980 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.