Temporal analysis of feeding behavior in miniature pigs.

The feeding behavior of four Munich miniature pigs (29-43 kg) housed in pairs of two, was observed for two consecutive weeks. Pigs were conditioned to operate a computer-controlled recording system equipped with feeders delivering a precise food release per response and were then fed ad libitum. In addition to the descriptive analysis of feeding behavior, Walsh-Fourier Spectral Analysis was utilized to investigate the temporal patterns of food ingestion and the synchronisation of feeding patterns between the animals housed together. The pigs had up to 48% of their daily energy intake during the dark cycle and there was a substantial reduction of food intake from the first to the second week. Furthermore, pigs housed together synchronized feeding behavior from week 1 to week 2. The recording system has been shown to be highly reliable and valid and provides an excellent tool for the investigation of ingestive behaviors in miniature pigs.