The phenotype and activation status of T and NK cells in porcine colostrum suggest these are central/effector memory cells.

•Lymphocyte subsets in porcine colostrum were characterised by flow cytometry.•The predominant subpopulation was represented by cytotoxic T cells.•Activation markers of lymphocytes in porcine colostrum were detected.•T cell subpopulations expressed markers of central/effector memory phenotype.•Data suggest that lymphocytes in porcine colostrum are antigen experienced.