Table 1.

Percentage of variation in each trait explained by the microbial genes identified in the partial least squares (PLS).

		Percent variation accounted for by partial least squares factors
		Model effects		Dependent variables
Trait	No. factors	Current	Total	Current	Total
FCR	1	41.59	41.59	35.46	35.46
	2	6.35	47.94	21.19	56.65
	3	7.57	55.51	6.72	63.37
ADG	1	39.42	39.42	49.26	49.26
	2	9.60	49.02	11.47	60.73
	3	7.97	56.99	4.67	65.40
RFI	1	24.04	24.04	44.32	44.32
	2	13.95	37.99	16.80	61.12
	3	16.72	54.71	4.52	65.63
DFI	1	28.98	28.98	44.94	44.94
	2	21.25	50.23	19.94	64.88
	3	7.86	58.09	8.05	72.93

The number of factors refers to the number of latent variables in which the total number of microbial genes (independent variables) were projected in the PLS procedure, and each factor accounts for a portion of the total explained variation. The “Model Effects” columns refer to the percent variability of the independent variables matrix that relates to the respective percent variability presented in the “Dependent Variables” columns. The “Current” columns present values for each extracted factor individually, and the “Total” columns present the subtotal variation. The cells colored in gray contain the values of percent variation explained by the three latent variables for each trait. FCR, feed conversion ratio; ADG, average daily gain; RFI, residual feed intake; DFI, daily feed intake.