Bloat in cattle: XLI Proteins of saliva as possible genetic markers in breeding programmes to reduce bloat susceptibility in cattle

Protein from samples of mucous saliva was degraded more readily by rumen micro- OIganisms from the cow supplying the saliva than by micro-organisms from other cows, suggesting there may be protein composition differences in the salivas of individual animals. Gel electrophoresis of the proteins of mucous saliva of cows of high (HS) and low (LS) susceptibility to bloat reveale,d a group of three proteins (band 4) present as a major component in only HS cows. Investigation of the suitability of band 4 protein as a genetic “marker” for a breeding programme to reduce bloat susceptibility in cattle is warranted.