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The aim of the present study was to assess the development of the intestinal microbiota in the developing piglet by monitoring the change in the intestinal microbiota using TGGE. Unlike previous studies, we especially focused on the change in the intestinal microbiota composition from birth to after weaning rather than the change in a particular bacterial species, because the change in the composition reflects the acquisition and succession of microbes during the developing process which are controlled by various internal and external factors (Mackie et al., 1999). Two conventional crossbred (LandraceLarge WhiteDuroc) sows were artificially inseminated and defined as sow A and B, respectively. A total of 6 piglets, 3 from each litter, were selected for this study. The selected piglets from sow A were defined as litter A, and the piglets from sow B were called litter B. Both litters were respectively kept grouped in the pen throughout the experimental period. They were injected intramuscularly with 200mg Fe2 after 4 days post partum and male piglets were castrated at the age of 14 days. Powdered milk replacer (SDS No. 1; Nippon Formula Feed Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan) was offered to piglets from that age of 14 days but piglets were not separated from their sow at that time. The piglets were weaned at 25 days old. From 35 days old, piglets were offered a diet for weaned piglets (Koromeal GS; Nippon Formula Feed Co., Ltd.). Powdered milk replacer and weaned diets were free from intestinal microbiota modifier such as antimicrobials and probiotics, and these diets and water were given ad libitum throughout this study. Antimicrobial therapy was …