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Imprint
Interactions between dental surfaces and biogenic films
Project
Project code: 50459045
Contract period: 01.01.2007
- 31.12.2010
Purpose of research: Basic research
Ruminants feed on diverse diets ranging from high-protein leaves to fibre-rich grass. Most grasses may include phytoliths to prevent excessive feeding by herbivorous mammals. In answer to that, herbivores developed co-evolutionary compensation strategies like higher molar crowns to circumvent the mechanical defence of their feeding plants. However, the possible role of salivary components in ruling and reducing teeth abrasion in ruminants is so far unknown.
For the first time, similarities and differences of salivary secretions of ruminants belonging to different feeding strategies (grazer, intermediate, browser) will be examined regarding protein contents and patterns. Salivary proteins that are typical or common for individual feeding types will be characterized using molecular and biochemical approaches. The role of salivary proteins in reducing the harm by silicate-based abrasives is planned to be examined using goats fed under browsing or grazing conditions. The knowledge about type and function of basic interactions between salivary proteins and dental tissues could help to derive co-evolutionary functional strategies in ruminants and their feeding sources.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal nutrition
