OGTV
JF-Expert Member
- May 22, 2016
- 353
- 167
Rabbits are small mammals belonging to the family Leporidae. Here's an interesting fact about rabbits:
Rabbits have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract more nutrients from their food. After eating, rabbits produce two types of droppings: hard fecal pellets and softer cecotropes. The hard fecal pellets are expelled and are not re-ingested. However, the cecotropes, which are nutrient-rich, soft, and sticky, are eaten directly from the anus. This process is called "coprophagy" and enables rabbits to further break down their food and absorb essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and fatty acids.
Coprophagy is an important adaptation for rabbits since their diet consists mainly of fibrous plant material, which is difficult to digest. By consuming their cecotropes, rabbits maximize their nutrient intake and gain more value from their food.