Early Colonization of the Intestinal Microbiome of Neonatal Piglets Is Influenced by the Maternal Microbiome

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study examined changes in piglet fecal microbiomes from birth through weaning and their associations with sows. Samples from eight sows and sixty-three piglets were analyzed, revealing that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria dominated early piglet microbiomes, which are crucial for intestinal balance during nursing. After weaning, piglets fed solid food had increased levels of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Succinivibrio, and Prevotella. The study also suggested that the piglet intestinal microbiome is vertically transmitted from the mother. More research is needed to understand the early establishment of piglet intestinal microbiomes by integrating factors related to sows, piglets, and the environment. 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 through weaning and the relationship between the piglet fecal microbiome and sows. Feces, skin, neonatal oral cavity, and vaginal samples were collected from eight sows and sixty-three piglets, and 16S genome sequencing was performed. The results revealed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria dominated the piglet microbiome in the early stages, and Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were crucial for maintaining a balance in the intestinal microbiome during nursing. The abundance 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, which 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 required to integrate factors related to sows, piglets, and their environments to gain a better understanding of the early establishment of the intestinal microbiome in piglets.