A Review Focusing on Microbial Vertical Transmission during Sow Pregnancy

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Neonates are highly susceptible to intestinal infections; this has been generally ascribed to the immaturity of the immune system, but other factors might contribute. The composition of the gut microbiota is a key factor, as the microbiota protects the host against colonization by pathogens. The neonatal gut microbiota is less diverse and lacks two taxa that are dominant in older intestines: members of the orders Clostridiales and Bacteroidales. Microorganisms are closely related to the body’s physiological activities and growth and development of the body, and participate in many physiological metabolic activities. Analysis of the structure and source of early colonizing bacteria in the intestinal tract of humans and rodents shows that early colonizing bacteria in the intestinal tract of mammals have solid maternal characteristics, and maternal microbes play an essential role in the formation of progeny intestinal flora. ABSTRACT: Microorganisms are closely related to the body’s physiological activities and growth and development of the body, and participate in many physiological metabolic activities. Analysis of the structure and source of early colonizing bacteria in the intestinal tract of humans and rodents shows that early colonizing bacteria in the intestinal tract of mammals have solid maternal characteristics, and maternal microbes play an essential role in the formation of progeny intestinal flora. The placental microbiome, maternal microbiome and breast milk microbiome are currently hot topics in the field of life science. This paper discusses the vertical transmission and endogenous sources of the mother-to-piglet microbiome through these three pathways, aiming to provide a new research idea for intervention in the intestinal microbiome in young piglets.