Question

These are nutrient-rich fecal pellets that rabbits consume right after defecating. What are these pellets called?

1) Cecotropes
2) Day feces
3) Afternoon feces
4) None of the above

Answer 1

The nutrient-rich fecal pellets that rabbits consume right after defecating are called 1) cecotropes. This behavior is known as coprophagy where the rabbit re-ingests these cecotropes to further digest them.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nutrient-rich fecal pellets that rabbits consume right after defecating are called cecotropes. This behavior is known as coprophagy, where the rabbit re-ingests these cecotropes to further digest them.

In the digestive system of a rabbit, the cecum is a shriveled projection at the beginning of the colon. This enlarged organ allows bacteria in the cecum to work on the partially digested vegetable matter and digest it more thoroughly, producing important nutrients and vitamins.