Relevance of eating pattern for selection of growing pigs.

In this thesis investigations were directed at the consequences of testing future breeding pigs in group housing, with individual feed intake recording. Subjects to be addressed were: the effect of housing system on feed intake pattern and performance, relationships between feed intake pattern and performance and genetic aspects of the feed intake pattern. Housing system significantly influenced feed intake pattern, digestibility of feed, growth rate and feed conversion. Through effects on level of activity and digestibility, frequency of eating and daily eating time were negatively related with efficiency of production. Meal size and rate of feed intake were positively related with growth rate and backfat thickness. Feed intake traits had moderate heritabilities