The continuing need of protein sources for the human population aside of the economic world is of considerable social interest, so the rational use of the local fauna has both economic and social advantages, while protecting wild species from extinction through irrational hunting and habitat destruction. Among Brazilian mammals the capybara is a big rodent, with high reproductive potential, are herbivorous, they increase their digestive efficiency through extensive mastication followed by fermentation by cellulolitic bacteria and protozoa in the cecum (González-Jiménez, 1995). Furthermore, capybaras are able to use microbial protein from the cecum after fermentation through the cecotrophy, or ‘reingestion’ of the cecal content (Mendes et al., 2000). In function of the controversial findings regarding cecotrophy in capybaras, this study was conducted to compare the faecal excretion curves of capybara, collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) - animal that does not accomplish the cecotrophy, and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) - animal that accomplishes the cecotrophy.