Feed preference in pigs: relationship with feed particle size and texture

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Previous studies indicated significant variations in pig feed preferences linked to single dietary ingredient changes.
• Understanding the drivers of feed preference is crucial for optimizing swine diets and feeding strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between feed preference values and the physical characteristics of feed, specifically particle size and texture.
• To determine the impact of individual feed ingredients on overall feed properties and subsequent pig preference.

Main Methods:

• 126 different diets were formulated by modifying a basal diet with various cereals, protein sources, lipids, and fiber sources.
• Feed particle size distribution (geometric mean, uniformity, fine/coarse content) and texture properties (hardness, fragility, chewing work, adhesiveness) were analyzed.
• Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between these physical characteristics and feed preference values.

Main Results:

• Feed texture properties, particularly chewing work (r = -0.33) and fragility (r = -0.20), showed significant correlations with feed preference.
• Particle size characteristics, including geometric mean particle size and percentage of fine or coarse particles, exhibited minimal impact on feed preference.
• Hardness (r = -0.21) also correlated with feed preference, while surface area, particle number, and uniformity showed no significant relationship.

Conclusions:

• Feed texture properties, especially those related to the effort required for chewing, significantly influence feed preference in pigs.
• Particle size characteristics appear to have a limited role in determining feed preferences compared to texture.
• These findings suggest that manipulating feed texture could be a viable strategy to influence feed intake and selection in swine.