Table 2_Feeding patterns as proxies of production performance and feed efficiency in growing pigs from different genetic backgrounds.xlsx

High variability in feeding behavior was attributed to the individual effect, with high within-individual repeatability for feeding traits at the feeder visit level during both phases (r = 0.51–0.76). Associate analyses further noted that both feeding rate and feed intake per feeding bout (either meal or feeder visit) correlated positively with the average daily feed intake, body weight, average growth rate, and backfat thickness but negatively with feed efficiency traits, pointing toward the potential role of feeding metrics as proxies of performance outcomes.

Lastly, outcomes of multivariate models further supported the role of eating intensity metrics (feeding rate, feed intake per visit, and daily feed intake) as the most important descriptors of performance outcomes in growing pigs during rearing. These three feeding metrics together strongly explained the variability of body weight (R² > 60%) and average growth rate (R² > 50%), mildly that of backfat thickness (25%< R²< 35%), and fairly that of feed efficiency traits (R²< 20%) during both rearing periods.

Overall, these results indicate both the tight link between feeding patterns and body weight, growth rate, and fatness and their usefulness in characterizing pig performance during rearing.</p>