ANALYSIS OF PAROTID AND MIXED SALIVA IN ROE DEER (CAPREOLUS-CAPREOLUSL.)

In ruminants, different functions have been ascribed to the different salivary glands according to the feeding type. In this context, possib le adaptations of salivary functions were investigated regarding the s ecretion of various proteins by different types of salivary glands. To yield uncontaminated parotid saliva in large quantities, a non-surgic al method has been developed. Parotid gland secretions were collected via endoscopic placement of guide wires into each parotid duct, which were subsequently used for placement of collection catheters. Salivary flow was stimulated by intra-glandular administration of the parasymp athomimetic compound pilocarpine-hydrochloride into the parotid gland. Mixed saliva (excluding parotid saliva) was collected into sterile tu bes by normal outflow during the sampling of parotid saliva. The total flow volume, flow rate and the content of proteins as well as of seve ral ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, inorganic phosphate) of both types of saliva were measured in sheep, fallow deer and roe deer. Roe deer secreted th e highest amount of total salivary proteins relative to body mass [mg/ kg body mass] and the highest relative volume [ml/10 min/kg body mass] , both in parotid and mixed saliva, of all ruminant species examined. Additionally, the protein profile and the tannin-binding properties of parotid and mixed saliva in roe deer were investigated. Parotid saliv a bound almost twice as much tannin as mixed saliva, underlining the i mportance of yielding uncontaminated parotid saliva for tannin-binding studies.