Biotic and abiotic factors of bactericidal properties variability of ruminant saliva

Abstract

The microflora of the oral cavity of domestic ruminants, presented by transitive gram-negative species of bacteria (cocci and sticks) in cows, transient and obligate gram-positive (usually cocci) bacteria in sheep was studied. The lowest contamination of the sheep mouth mucosa was observed in autumn, and the largest in summer. Seasonal features of bactericidal activity of saliva and its main components (lysozyme, properdin and complement system) are shown. Differences of the above indicators in cows and sheep are considered. Low activity is typical for saliva complement system in ruminants in general and sheep in particular. Lysozyme activity and properdin content are maximum in cows and sheep in summer, with elongation towards autumn (exception – lysozyme activity in sheep extends in spring).