Micromorphology and plant macrofossil analysis of cattle dung from the Neolithic lake shore settlement of Arbon Bleiche 3

At the excavation of the Neolithic site of Arbon Bleiche 3, Switzerland (3384-3370 B.C., dated using dendrochronology), objects were found that strongly resembled cow pats. Both micromorphological characteristics and plant macrofossil content confirmed this. Although a detailed micromorphological description was possible, macrofossil analysis turned out to be more difficult than expected because of contamination along fissures. The contents of two of the four coprolites analyzed had conspicuously high amounts of leaves and wood of silver fir (Abies alba). This animal feed may have come in large quantities as a byproduct of house construction. In addition, mistletoe (Viscum album), blackberry (Rubus frulicosus s.l.), and ferns could be identified as animal fodder. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.