"Cecotropes" Meaning
Cecotropes are small, pellet-like masses of undigested food that are produced in the large intestine of some animals, particularly birds and reptiles. They are thought to be a source of nutrient absorption for the host animal, and are often consumed by the animal in order to recycle nutrients. In birds, cecotropes are often passed out of the rectum at night and eaten by the bird, allowing for a more efficient use of nutrients.
"Cecotropes" Examples
CECOTROPE
Definition
Cecotropes are small, pellet-like feces that some birds produce, especially those that have a complex gut flora. These stools contain a high concentration of nutrients, particularly protein, and are an important source of nutrition for the bird, especially for young, breeding, or stressed birds.
Usage Examples:
The canary's behavior changed drastically, and its vet discovered that it was producing cecotropes to compensate for its poor diet.
The exotic pet owner was confused by the frequent production of cecotropes by her Amazon parrot, but the vet reassured her that it was a natural phenomenon.
The ornithologist studied the unusual variation in cecotropes produced by different bird species to better understand their digestive systems.
After switching to a high-quality pellet diet, the finch's cecotropes were fewer and less frequent, indicating a healthier gut.
The veterinarian advised the bird breeder to monitor the cecotropes of the newborn chicks to detect any potential health issues.