Blood sampling of pigs
The text on this page is taken from an informal compilation of opinions of contributors to the online VOLE List. As such, they are not peer reviewed and may contain differences of opinion. Those wishing to contact the list may contact Adrian Smith.
I am looking for a less stressful way of pig blood sampling (and less labour-intensive for the staff). Currently, we use a rope snare (with additional holders if adult Landrace X) to obtain standing samples (or v-trough for smaller/younger pigs).
I searched the internet trying to find some sort of hydraulic sampling hammock system that the pigs could be trained to walk into, but have not been able to find anything. I was looking for something similar to the Zinpro Feet First chute, but with sampling access points.
Does anyone have a pig sampling system they would recommend?
Ellegaard make a pig sling for mini-pigs, but I have never come across anything for adults. An adult sow can be 250kgs and a boar 300kgs, so it would probably need a fork-lift to pick these up anyway. We use the jugular vein for all ages and restrain by a snatch unless <20kgs, when some people prefer them restrained on their backs in a trough. If only a very small blood sample is required from an adult pig (<5ml), you can try the marginal ear vein, but I very rarely (never) use this, as in my hands it is usually obtained drop by drop.
- Pigs are very good to train to perform manipulations or punctures on the awake animal. Sufficient time should be allowed for this. The time required can vary greatly from individual to individual and depends on the conditions under which the animals were kept at the breeder. Usually only a few drops of blood can be taken by puncturing the vein at the edge of the ear. However, this puncture can be carried out on an awake, trained animal with little stress. For the collection of larger amounts of blood, the puncture of the cranial vein or brachiocephalic vein can be used on a standing animal that is lightly restrained with the snare. Fixation can also be achieved by positioning the animal in a hanging mat - habituation should also be planned for this. [1]
Additional resources:
- The Panepinto Sling for minipigs and other animals up to 150 kg
- Links to additional resources about handling and blood sampling pigs
