Longitudinal changes in the perinatal faecal microbiota of gilts and multiparous sows

The development of the neonatal microbiota is associated with long term effects on health and performance of piglets, therefore understanding causes of microbiota variability in neonatal piglets is important. Recent studies have identified perinatal changes in the faecal microbiota of the sow. These changes have been associated with metabolic syndrome experienced by sows during late gestation and early lactation. However, no studies have yet identified changes in the perinatal microbiota of sows associated with parity (primiparous verses multiparous sows), despite the increased metabolic demands of primiparous sows to support maternal growth, foetal growth and the demands of lactation. The main aim of this study was to understand the dynamic changes in the sow microbiota from day 109 gestation to 8 days postpartum and determine whether the dynamic changes in the microbiota profile are affected by parity and associated with pre-weaning enteric health of piglets.