SQL Replication - Distribution database backlog of commands for one table
When it comes to replication you have options on how you want to initialize transactional replication. You can do that with a snapshot or from a backup. Only focusing on these two methods as they are the most common.

You may want to consider initializing from a backup to help save time, and to allow your distributor to only have to keep records of what was changed for the time it takes to restore the database.

Microsoft Article that explains the concept

MSSQL Tips article specific for SQL 2008