Previous studies have suggested that luminal polyamines can directly influence intestinal differentiation of neonatal rats. The present investigation has demonstrated the presence of high levels of polyamines in porcine milk and in the intestinal tissues of suckling pigs. The quantities of polyamines in sow's milk sampled between wk 1 and 8 of lactation were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The concentration of milk spermidine (SPD) remained constant over the first 3 to 4 wk of lactation but increased 4-fold between wk 4 and 7. Neither putrescine nor spermine (SPN) were detected in any of the milk samples. During intestinal development the mucosal SPD/SPN ratio was elevated between wk 1 and 3 and wk 5 and 7. The latter period of increase corresponded with the surge in milk SPD concentration. It is suggested that milk SPD is taken up from the intestinal lumen and is involved in potentiating intestinal differentiation during the latter part of the suckling period.