Effect of cecectomy on feeding and defecation in rats.

The effect of cecectomy on food intake and defecation was studied in Wistar rats fed ad libitum or under restriction. Food intake, fecal output, dry matter and water content of feces, and numbers of scybala increased significantly in both groups of cecectomized rats. The weight of scybala and their dry matter and water content also increased after cecectomy. Water intake did not change significantly. It was considered that changes in the parameters after cecectomy may have resulted from lowered digestion and enhancement of propulsive activity in the gastrointestinal tract.