Abstract: Intestinal microecology can affect the intake,storage and utilization of nutrients by the body,and has significant influence on animal growth and development.Establishment of an individual's microbial ecosystem is influenced by various factors,such as birth mode,diet,antibiotics,diseases and living environment.With deepening interest in microbial symbioses,increasing attention has been paid to the roles of intestinal flora.A dynamically balanced intestinal microbial ecosystem is required for the healthy growth of the host.Piglets take time to establish a balanced intestinal microbial ecosystem.Prior to establishing this balance,they are susceptible to external factors that can cause growth retardation,low feed conversion rate,and even occurrence of diseases.Regulation of intestinal flora is an effective technical means to reduce the occurrence of animal diseases and increase feed conversion rates.The author reviews research progress in the intestinal microecology of piglets in China and other countries.It starts with the microbial composition and functions of the intestinal microbial ecosystem,and expounds upon processes used at different development stages to establish a healthy intestinal microecosystem in piglets,and on current regulatory measures,with the goal of providing a theoretical reference for studies of the formation and maturation of intestinal microbial ecosystems,and its effects on the growth and development of piglets.

Key words: piglets; microecology; gut microbes; growth and development