Comparative Analysis of Growth and Feeding Behavior in Four Chinese Indigenous Pig Breeds

Indigenous pig breeds in China possess distinct biological characteristics, yet their growth dynamics and feeding behaviors remain inadequately characterized. This study compared growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feeding behavior in four Hunan indigenous pig breeds, Dongshan (DS), Longtan (LT), Pushi (PS), and Taoyuan (TY), during the fattening stage (approximately 50–90 kg, over 60 days). Automated feeding stations were used to continuously monitor body weight, feed intake, and feeding behavior over 60 days in 48 pigs (12 per breed). Linear mixed model and generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) were employed to analyze growth trajectories, FCR dynamics, and temporal feeding patterns. The PS breed exhibited the highest daily gain (0.785 kg/day) and lowest FCR (3.98), whereas the DS breed showed the poorest feed efficiency (FCR 4.83). GAMM revealed significant non-linear changes in FCR and feeding rate across growth stages, with breed-specific critical windows of divergence. Notably, the TY breed achieved comparable growth to DS and LT with superior feed efficiency, suggesting adaptive metabolic characteristics. Diurnal feeding rhythms were conserved across breeds, despite marked differences in absolute feeding rates. These findings provide a fundamental database for precision feeding management and genetic improvement of indigenous pig breeds.