Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Species Utilizing Caecotrophy
Caecotrophy is common in:
- Dog
- Cat
- Rabbit — Correct Answer
- Poultry
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Rabbit
Caecotrophy (or Coprophagy / Pseudo-rumination) is the ingestion of specially produced soft caecal pellets (caecotropes) from the anus, practiced primarily by the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This allows the rabbit to recover B-vitamins, microbial protein, and other nutrients produced by fermentation in the large caecum.
Caecotrophy in Rabbits — Key Facts
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Domestic rabbit (primarily) |
| Onset age | 3 weeks of age |
| Hard pellets | Produced during the day |
| Soft pellets (caecotropes) | Produced at night → directly ingested from anus |
If Caecotrophy is Prevented in Rabbits
- ↓ Digestibility of food
- ↓ Protein utilization
- ↓ Nitrogen retention
- Deficiency of B-vitamins (riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin synthesized by caecal microbes).
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Dog → may eat faeces (coprophagy) but this is a behavioural problem, not a physiological adaptation like rabbit caecotrophy.
- Cat → obligate carnivore; does not practice caecotrophy.
- Poultry → birds have a caecum but do not practice caecotrophy as a nutrient recovery strategy.
📚 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.
