A technique for sampling blood from cattle during transportation
A. J. Parker A B , C. J. Coleman A and L. A. Fitzpatrick AA Australian Institute of Tropical Veterinary and Animal Science, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: anthony.parker@jcu.edu.au
Animal Production Science 49(12) 1068-1070 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN09019
Submitted: 30 January 2009 Accepted: 20 July 2009 Published: 16 November 2009
Abstract
A technique for the safe sampling of blood from cattle during transportation is described. The technique was validated using four 2.5-year-old Bos indicus steers held in stalls on a stationary body truck for 2 h, transported for 4 h and then held on a stationary truck for a further 2 h. The length of time required to take a blood sample from one animal using this technique was 30 s. Information gathered using this technique will be helpful in understanding the physiological reactions of cattle to transportation.
Acknowledgements
This technique was developed with funds from James Cook University, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Australian Live Export Corporation.
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