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

The inter-relationships of dry weight, fresh weight and volume were studied with dung of cattle, sheep, red deer (Cervus elaphus), hares (Lepus spp.), 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.