The mechanisms by which the prolific Chinese Meishan pig achieves its reproductive advantage of greater Utter size at birth, when compared with control breeds, have not yet been identified. Breed differences in feed intake and/or metabolism might contribute to the enhanced embryo survival observed in the Meishan, however, little is known about the feed or energy requirements of this breed. This study was designed to monitor feed intake and metabolism in Meishan and control (Large White x Landrace) gilts, and to relate these to their reproductive characteristics.