Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Nutritional Value of Caecotrophy
Caecotrophy is the essential process of digestive system of rabbit because it recycles:
- Unabsorbed nutrient
- Returning protein
- Vitamin B rich bacteria
- All the above — Correct Answer
Explanation:
Correct Answer: All the above
Caecotrophy is nutritionally essential for rabbits because hindgut fermentation occurs after the main absorptive site (small intestine), so the nutrients produced would be lost in normal faeces. By re-ingesting cecotropes, rabbits recover all three categories of nutrients.
Nutrients Recycled by Caecotrophy
| Nutrient Recycled | Source | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Unabsorbed nutrients | Soluble carbohydrates, minerals, etc. escaping SI absorption | Energy recovery |
| Microbial protein | High-quality cecal bacteria rich in essential amino acids | Protein nutrition (equivalent to ruminant MCP utilization) |
| B-complex vitamins & Vitamin K | Synthesised by cecal microbes | Prevents B-vitamin and Vitamin K deficiency |
Note
- This is analogous to how ruminants benefit from microbial protein synthesised in the rumen — except in rabbits the fermentation is in the hindgut and must be recovered by caecotrophy
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
