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The Cornell veterinarian1991; 81(4); 357-364;

Coprophagy in animals: a review.

Abstract: Coprophagy is performed by rodents and lagomorphs and to a lesser degree by piglets, foals, dogs and nonhuman primates. Due to the construction of the digestive system of rodents and rabbits, coprophagy is necessary to supply many essential nutrients. Bacterial synthesis of nutrients occurs in the lower gastrointestinal tract in these animals where little absorption is realized. The eating of their feces provides a method for obtaining these nutrients.
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Publication Date: 1991-10-01 PubMed ID: 1954740
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article provides an insightful discussion on coprophagy, which refers to the act of animals eating feces, predominantly observed in rodents, lagomorphs such as rabbits, and to a lesser extent in piglets, foals, dogs, and nonhuman primates. The process is necessary for these animals as it aids in their nutrient absorption, particularly for essential nutrients synthesized by bacteria in their lower gastrointestinal tract, which otherwise aren’t absorbed into their system.

Coprophagy in Different Animal Species

  • The study presents an overview of the degrees to which different animals are engaged in coprophagy. Rodents and lagomorphs showcase this behavior more than other animals like piglets, foals, dogs, and nonhuman primates.
  • While the practice may seem unsavory to humans, it serves a crucial dietary purpose for these creatures, assisting the process of nutrient acquisition.

Fecal Consumption and Nutrient Absorption

  • The research goes on to elucidate the relevance of coprophagy to nutrient absorption. Specifically, the lower gastrointestinal tracts of rodents and rabbits are responsible for bacterial synthesis of essential nutrients. However, the normal process of digestion in these animals doesn’t completely facilitate the absorption of these nutrients.
  • Therefore, the consumption of their own feces becomes a necessary behavioral adaptation for these animals to meet their nutritional needs. The fecal matter contains significant levels of the nutrients produced in the lower intestinal tracts, hence ingesting it allows these vital components to be recycled into the system.

The Necessity of Coprophagy

  • The study concludes by underscoring the necessity of coprophagy among rodents and rabbits due to their unique digestive system configuration. In an environment with limited resources or food scarcity, this feeding behavior becomes especially beneficial.
  • It is important to note that while coprophagy is less common in other animals like piglets, foals, dogs, and nonhuman primates, it still occurs and serves similarly critical nutritional roles. The scale and relevance vary depending on factors like species, diet, and environmental conditions.

Cite This Article

APA
Soave O, Brand CD. (1991). Coprophagy in animals: a review. Cornell Vet, 81(4), 357-364.

Publication

The Cornell veterinarian
ISSN: 0010-8901
NlmUniqueID: 0074245
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 81
Issue: 4
Pages: 357-364

Researcher Affiliations

Soave, O
  • National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079.
Brand, C D

    MeSH Terms

    • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
    • Animals
    • Coprophagia
    • Horses / physiology
    • Lagomorpha / physiology
    • Primates / physiology
    • Rodentia / physiology
    • Swine / physiology

    Citations

    This article has been cited 58 times.
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