Studies on Coprophagy in the Mouse

概要

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Adult IVCS mice (derived from the dd strain), housed individually in a semi-barrier system room under a light cycle of 14 hours light and 10 hours dark were fed commercial pellets and tap water ad libitum. They were then examined for coprophagous and feeding and drinking behaviors. Their behaviors during the dark period was observed by means of an infrared television monitor. Coprophagy was observed in 5 of the 10 male mice (50%) and 18 of the 20 female mice (90%); the percentage in the female was significantly higher (p<0.05). There were two coprophagous patterns, one in which mice picked up fecal pellets from their anuses and the other where they picked them up from the bottom mesh of their cages. In most cases, the former pattern was observed. Coprophagy was observed frequently from 5:00 to 12:00 in the daytime. The average number (±S.D.) of consumed fecal pellets were 1.0±1.2 in males and 3.3±2.3 in females; females exceeded males in ingesting feces (p<0.01). The consumed rate of daily fecal pellets ranged from 0 to 4.9% in males and from 0 to 8.5% in females. Coprophagous behavior was not synchronized with those of feeding and drinking.
社団法人日本動物学会の論文
1983-09-25