Coprophagy in the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) in Australia.

Abstract

Coprophagy is a normal feature in the biology of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Australia. The evidence presented shows that coprophagy occurs normally during the daily period of inactivity when rabbits are below ground. When feeding activities commence in the afternoon on the surface, coprophagy ceases. Evidence suggests that the passage of normal pellets continues throughout the night, the formation and ingestion of soft pellets recommencing when the rabbit population as a whole again moves below ground into the warrens, in the early hours of daylight. Kittens commence ingesting soft pellets as soon as they leave the nests to feed on green grass, although suckling continues for some time. There appears to exist a seasonal influence on the normal daily rhythm in eating of faeces. In winter less time is spent in ingesting soft pellets and more in green-feeding than in autumn and spring. It is suggested that coprophagy assumes its greatest importance to the animal during summer when rabbits are below ground for a greater proportion of the day than at any other season. During summer, also, green feed is scarce and the standing pastures are dry. It is evidently during this season that rabbits are forced to obtain from their food all the nutriment possible. Observations show that the switchover from the production of one type of pellet to the other may be either immediate or delayed.