The effect of restricted access to food on the voluntary food intake of pigs

SUMMARY Two experiments were carried out to examine the effects of restricted food access on the voluntary food intake of pigs given diets of varying energy content or palatability. Where pigs were offered access to food for a restricted time period each day, the voluntary food intake was reduced in relation to the length of access allowed. Compensation was slow, particularly where a low-energy diet was fed. Younger pigs (35–45 kg) compensated faster than heavier pigs (100–110 kg). The responses of the heavier pigs appeared to be similar to those reported for genetically obese rats in their strong reaction to diets of different energy content or palatability.