Synchronization of motor activity in young pigs to a non-circadian rhythm without affecting food intake and growth.
The influence of length of light:dark cycle on motor activity, food intake and growth has been investigated in young pigs subject to either 12 hr light:12 hr dark, or 9 hr light:9 hr dark. Motor activity was positively correlated with the light phase in both groups. No differences were found in growth rate or in the average amount of food eaten in a 72 hr period between the two treatments. Body conformation and composition were also similar. Thus, unlike many other mammals the young pig can synchronize its activity to a non-circadian rhythm. Moreover, this does not affect growth.
Ingram
D L
DL
Dauncey
M J
MJ
Legge
K F
KF
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D001846:Bone Development; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D024510:Muscle Development; D010507:Periodicity; D013552:Swine / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*