Dung properties and defacation characteristics in some Scottish herbivores, with an evaluation of the dung-volume method of assessing occupance

Abstract

1982: Dung properties and defecation characteristics in some Scottish herbivores, with an evaluation of the dung-volume method of assessing occupance. Acta theriol., 27, 15: 191-212 [With 8 Tables & 3 Figs.] The interrelationships of dry weight, fresh weight and volume were studied with dung of cattle, sheeip, red deer (Cervus elaphus), hares (Lepus ispp.), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and red grouse (Lagopus lagopus). Dry weight to volume ratios were dependent on the initial dry-matter content, but also affected by weather, with shrinkage on drying-out. Cattle dung was clearly distinct in having a high moisture content. Volumes and weights of individual pellets were measured, and the number of pellets per defecation counted. From these data and other published information it is calculated that dung output for animals of average size ranges from 6 ¡ml/hr in red grouse to 60 ml/hr in sheep to 800 ml/hr in cattle. Tests on the use of the dung-volume method to assess herbivore occupance are described.