[Effects of prolonged deprivation of caecotrophy behavior in the rabbit].

To determine the effects of suppressing coprophagy in the rabbit over a long period, we performed two experiments. In the first (Experiment A), the rabbits wore round, plastic collars 12.5 cm in diameter for 45 days. Each week we measured the food intake and the weight of the rabbits, glycemia, lactacidemia (l and d) and three VFA (acetic, propionic and butyric). Food intake and rabbit weight decreased slowly during the 45 days, while glycemia and lactacidemia were unchanged. The amounts of acetic and propionic acids were higher in the experimental animals than in the sham ones; opposite results were obtained for butyric acid. Skin lesions were seen around the eyes and in the ears. These lesions regressed very quickly when the collar was removed. The weight loss may be imputed to the presence of the lesions, collar stress and the 10 ml blood samples collected weekly. In the second experiment (B), the collar was worn for 120 days and we measured only food intake and body weight. In those conditions, the pattern was very different. The animals did not lose weight, but the weight gain was slower than in sham rabbits. It is concluded that coprophagy is not necessary for rabbit survival.