What term describes the normal practice of a rabbit consuming its own droppings?

The term that describes the normal practice of a rabbit consuming its own droppings is coprophagy. This behavior is a crucial aspect of a rabbit's digestive process. Rabbits produce two types of droppings: hard fecal pellets and soft pellets, known as cecotropes, which are rich in nutrients. By consuming cecotropes directly from their bodies, rabbits are able to extract additional nutrients that weren't fully absorbed during the initial digestive process. This behavior not only helps in maximizing nutrient absorption but also plays a vital role in maintaining their gut health and overall well-being.

Other terms listed do not pertain to this behavior. Culling refers to the process of selecting and removing animals from a breeding stock based on specific traits, while "dam" refers to a mother rabbit specifically. Crossbreeding describes the practice of mating two different breeds of rabbits to produce hybrid offspring. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique role of coprophagy in the life of a rabbit.