Cecotrophy

Cecotrophy is a digestive strategy in which certain animals, most notably lagomorphs such as rabbits, hares, and pikas, re-ingest a specialized form of feces called cecotropes. These soft pellets are produced in the cecum, a part of the hindgut where microbial fermentation enriches them with nutrients that would otherwise be lost. Cecotropes are typically expelled from the anus and eaten directly, often during rest or at night, enabling the animal to pass the material through the digestive tract again for better absorption.

In species that practice cecotrophy, two kinds of feces are produced: hard fecal pellets and soft cecotropes. The latter are rich in nutrients produced by gut microbes, including certain B vitamins, vitamin K, amino acids, and microbial protein, as well as volatile fatty acids that provide a source of energy. The re-ingestion allows the animal to maximize mineral and nutrient uptake from fibrous plant material.

Cecotrophy is distinguished from general coprophagy by its selective production and consumption of distinct cecotropes rather than all feces. It is most commonly documented in lagomorphs and is considered an important adaptation to low-nutrient, high-fiber diets. In domestic rabbits, cecotrophy is a normal part of care; disruption can indicate health issues such as dental pain or poor gut motility and may require veterinary attention. Proper diet and dental health support healthy cecotrophy.