Definify.com
Definition 2024
caecotrophy
caecotrophy
English
Alternative forms
Noun
caecotrophy (uncountable)
- (biology) In certain mammals, especially rabbits and other lagomorphs, the consumption of food pellets which are naturally produced by means of digestion, retention in the caecum, and expulsion through the anus.
- 2008, A. Belenguer et al., "Alternative methodologies to estimate ingestion of caecotrophes in growing rabbits," Livestock Science, vol. 115, no.1, p. 13,
- The second group (T-2: 6 rabbits) was also fed the labelled diet but only during the last ten days of the fattening period when animals were fitted a neck collar to prevent caecotrophy.
- 2008, A. Belenguer et al., "Alternative methodologies to estimate ingestion of caecotrophes in growing rabbits," Livestock Science, vol. 115, no.1, p. 13,
Usage notes
- "Caecotrophy" is a kind of coprophagy. "Caecotrophy" specifically refers to the ingestion of caecal feces for nutritional purposes. "Coprophagy" refers to the ingestion of feces for any reason, including mental illness.