16S rRNA amplicon analysis of sow and piglet faecal samples during the lactation period

Gilt progeny are born lighter and remain lighter throughout each phase of production and have a higher rate of mortality then sow progeny. As such, investigations into reducing ways for improving gilt progeny performance are needed. Evidence suggests that piglets develop their microbiome from contact with their birth sow and the environment in which they are born into. Therefore, the study aimed to characterise the microbiota of primiparous and multiparous sows and to determine whether contact with faeces from an older parity sow can improve health and survival of piglets born and reared on primiparous sows and whether these differences are driven by the microbiome.