Cecotrope

A cecotrope is a group of small balls clumped together that looks like a thin blackberry, which exits the anus all at once. Cecotropes are dark, odorous, sticky and full of nutrition. They differ from regular feces which are larger, exit the anus one at a time, smell only slightly, have very little moisture, and are a waste product. ==Development of cecotropes==

Many cecotrophs, such as rabbits, are monogastric digesters and herbivores. However, microbes in the cecum have enzymes that are capable of breaking down fiber. The enzyme lysozyme also aids in the digestion of microbial proteins. Cecotropes continue through the colon and rectum and are expelled through the anus about eight hours after eating. ==Reingestion==

Cecotropes are eaten directly from the anus. They usually do not touch the ground. They are not chewed; instead, they are swallowed whole so the mucus is not disturbed. They are held in the fundic region of the stomach for 3 to 6 hours where they continue to ferment. Once that is complete, they move into the small intestine where the nutrients are absorbed, about 17 hours after the original meal. ==Benefits of cecotrophy==

Nutrient reabsorption Many herbivores have a diet that is low in nutrition and high in fiber (which is a non-starch polysaccharide carbohydrate). Fiber can be either soluble (pectins and gums) or insoluble (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignocellulose). A simple gastrointestinal tract is not capable of extracting enough nutrients for these animals. One strategy to get the needed nutrition is used by ruminants in which they chew cud in order to process their food a second time. Another strategy used by horses is to have an elongated colon to increase the time spent during digestion and absorption. Both of these strategies add substantial bulk to the animal. Since the rabbit is at the bottom of the food chain, it must be nimble in order to out run its many predators. Creating cecotropes is a way to get more nutrients out of their food without adding a lot of bulk to their GI tract (which is 10% - 20% of their body weight). Since their colons do not absorb the nutrients in the cecotropes, they reingest them so they can be absorbed in the small intestine. Gain of gut microbiota The process of cecotrophy begins when a rabbit is a newborn. Since the gastrointestinal tract of newborn rabbits is sterile and contains no microbes, the infants consume their mothers' cecotropes and feces to obtain microbes needed to build their cecum's microbial community. Once the infant is around 20 days of age, they begin to consume their own cecotropes. ==Disorder==

It is essential to maintain a balanced microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract, especially the cecum. If beneficial microbes decrease and harmful microbes proliferate, the microbiome becomes unbalanced, which is called dysbiosis. The cause of this includes a diet too high in carbohydrates and/or too low in indigestible fiber; toxins; some medications such as antibiotics; dehydration; extreme stress; dental disease and other systemic diseases (e.g., liver or kidney disease). If the balance is not maintained, there can be multiple health issues, including GI stasis, which can lead to pain, stress and death. A few cecotropes left on the ground of the living area of the animal is not cause for concern. However, if a large amount is found on the ground or stuck to the fur, a veterinarian should be consulted. Possible causes are poor diet, dental issues, arthritis, very large dewlap, obesity, or too-long fur in the anal region. If the cecotropes are similar to pudding in consistency, it is called intermittent soft cecotropes (ISC). This is different from true diarrhea, which has no form, is completely watery and is very serious. If regular feces are also produced, it is not diarrhea. ISC will stick to the hindquarters and feet of the animal and to places in the living area. Causes are a poor diet (too many carbohydrates, too little fiber) or inappropriate antibiotics. Treatment is to feed unlimited grass hay, greens and limited pellets and to stop giving inappropriate antibiotics. ==References==