A backtest was used to measure coping characteristics at three days of age. Pigs were placed on their backs and the degree of resistance was scored. Pigs either remained in their original litter or were cross-fostered based on backtest scores. Cross-fostering resulted in pens with either all active (high resistance), all reactive (low resistance), or a mixture (high, intermediate and low resistance). At nine weeks the pigs were moved and mixed into the fattening unit (the treatment groups were maintained). The backtest was repeated at 10 and 17 weeks of age. Cross-fostering changed the initial backtest results, such that each group had approximately the same mean backtest results. As a result, there was no relationship found between initial backtest scores and performance on a pen level. However, there was a relationship found between these parameters at an individual level. There was a tendency for active animals to grow faster and have leaner carcasses.