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Effect of Coprophagy on Digestion and Mineral Excretion in the Guinea Pig

Equine Research Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

The prevention of coprophagy decreased the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and acid detergent fiber when guinea pigs were fed alfalfa meal or a semipurified diet. The feces of guinea pigs fed the semipurified diet were analyzed for eight minerals by mass spectroscopy, and the prevention of coprophagy increased the amount of minerals appearing in the feces. The addition of 250 ppm molybdenum to the semipurified diet did not increase the amount of copper in the feces. It was concluded that coprophagy is important in the utilization of nutrients by the guinea pig and that coprophagy must be considered in digestion trials with any rodents.