Changes in the Frequency of Coprophagy according to the growth of Rats

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  • IKEDA Shuhei
    Fuji Farm, Tokyo University of Agriculture
  • SUKEMORI Seizi
    Department of Zootechnical Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture
  • KURIHARA Yoshio
    Department of Zootechnical Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture
  • ITO Sumimaro
    Department of Zootechnical Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture

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  • ラットの成長に伴う食糞行動回数の変化

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Abstract

This study observed the relationships between growth and the frequency of coprophagy in 3 to 25 week old rats. The behavior of 7 rats was observed randomly at 3-4,6,8,10,15,20 and 25 weeks of age, respectively. Their body weights were determined before each observation. The coprophagous posture of young rats ranged from on their back up to a seated posture. The mean number of displays of daily coprophagy in 3-4 week old animals reached its highest value at 16.4 times. It decreased to 3.2 times/rat/day at the age of 25 weeks. Coprophagy frequency was negatively correlated with body weight significantly (P<0.05). There are two possible reasons for thus decrease : coprophagy is either not necessary for an older rat as a supply of nutrition, or an older rat does not produce hydrous feces which include growth factor. This point remains to be clarified in future. Jpn. J. Livest. Management, 34(3) : 71-75,1999 Received October 17,1997. Accepted June 25,1998.

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