Early colonization of the intestinal microbiome of neonatal piglets is influenced by the maternal microbiome

Abstract The intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in animal health and growth by interacting with the host, inhibiting pathogenic microbial colonization and regulating immunity. This study investigated dynamic changes in the fecal microbial composition of piglets from birth to weaning and the relationship between piglet fecal microbiome and sows. Feces, skin, amniotic fluid, and vaginal samples were collected from eight sows and sixty-three piglets, and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. The results revealed that the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria dominated the piglets’ microbiome in their early stages, and Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were crucial to maintaining a balance in the intestinal microbiome during nursing. Abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Succinivibrio, and Prevotella increased in weaned piglets fed solid feed. Analysis of the microbiome from sows to piglets indicated a shift in the microbiome colonizing piglet intestines and became a significant constituent of the piglet intestinal microbiome. This study supports the theory that the neonatal intestinal microbiome is vertically transmitted from the mother. Further research is needed to integrate sows, piglets, and their environments to gain a better understanding of the early establishment of the piglet intestinal microbiome.