Effects of Coprophagy Prevention on Intestinal Microflora in Rats

Abstract

Prevention of coprophagy by the use of tail cups resulted in reduced weight gains and major changes in the number of fecal and cecal lactobacilli, enterococci and coliform bacteria in rats receiving 3 different diets containing 22% casein. The number of lactobacilli decreased, whereas the enterococci and coliforms increased in relation to the counts in non-cupped animals. These results were generally similar for the 3 diets used (fat-free, 20% corn oil or 20% hydrogenated coconut oil) although relatively minor differences in the bacterial counts due to the type of diet tended to be accentuated by the prevention of coprophagy.