16S rRNA amplicon analysis of the spiral colon of the pre- and post-natal piglet

Initial enteric microbial colonisation influences animal health and disease. Until recently, neonates were presumed to be sterile until parturition, however, advances in sequencing technologies have allowed for new findings in this area. Therefore, the present study aimed to gain a better understanding of the initial microbial colonisers within the piglet, both in utero and during the first day following parturition.