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Related Experiment Videos

Coprophagy in animals: a review.

O Soave1, C D Brand

  • 1National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079.

The Cornell Veterinarian
|October 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Coprophagy, or eating feces, is essential for rodents and rabbits to absorb vital nutrients synthesized by gut bacteria. This behavior ensures nutrient availability due to limited absorption in their lower digestive tracts.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Animal Physiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Coprophagy is observed in various species including rodents, lagomorphs, and some domestic animals.
  • The digestive system anatomy of rodents and rabbits necessitates coprophagy for nutrient acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explain the physiological necessity of coprophagy in rodents and rabbits.
  • To highlight the role of bacterial nutrient synthesis and limited absorption in the hindgut.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on animal digestive physiology.
  • Analysis of nutrient absorption pathways in coprophagic species.

Main Results:

  • Coprophagy is a critical mechanism for nutrient recovery in species with hindgut fermentation.
  • Bacterial synthesis of essential nutrients occurs distally, where absorption is minimal.

Conclusions:

  • Coprophagy in rodents and rabbits is an adaptive behavior crucial for obtaining nutrients produced by gut microbiota.
  • This process overcomes the limitations of nutrient absorption in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

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