Large-scale pig study maps a major genetic locus controlling daily feeding rhythms

Researchers analysing feed intake data from more than 18,000 Swiss Landrace and Swiss Large White pigs have identified a large-effect quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 4 that is associated with circadian feeding rhythmicity — the degree to which an animal distributes its daily food intake according to a regular 24-hour pattern.

The preprint, posted to bioRxiv on 4 September 2026, used approximately 40.5 million records collected from automated feeding systems. Hourly intake data were subjected to wavelet analysis to quantify the proportion of days on which individual animals showed a statistically significant feeding rhythm. This measure of rhythmicity was then used as the trait for genome-wide mapping.

The chromosome 4 locus explained a substantial portion of phenotypic variance in feeding rhythm regularity. Circadian feeding patterns are of interest in livestock research because regular feeding–fasting cycles are associated with metabolic regulation, feed-conversion efficiency, and animal welfare indicators.

This is a preprint and has not yet been peer-reviewed. Results should be regarded as preliminary pending independent review and publication. Readers interested in the primary data should consult the bioRxiv posting directly.