Unrestrained blood sampling in pigs

Abstract

Blood samples in pigs are taken from the jugular vein for health checks or as part of experimental protocols. In pigs, the jugular vein is internal and not visible. This requires restraint to immobilize the animal and ensure the safety of the samplers. This restraint is usually performed using a nasal lasso, placed around the snout. It is stressful for the animal, which sometimes shows signs of pain, and is detrimental to the necessary relationship of trust with the animal handler.