EN
Blood sampling, especially in young pigs, is a stressogenic procedure and brings about a release of various hormones to the peripheral blood. According to many authors blood collection, performed by means of a previously inserted catheter, has an advantage in comparison to traditional methods based on direct venapuncture. The purpose of the experiment was to carry out comparative investigations in respect to the level of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones) during blood sampling from porkers. Two methods were used: a) a traditional one based on a direct venapuncture of the jugular anterior vein, and b) by means of a previously inserted catheter through the brachiocephalic vein to the jugular anterior vein. Blood samples were collected at 20, 40, 80, 110, 200 and 300 seconds counting the time from catching and immobilization of an animal to the end of blood sampling. The results did not reveal any significant differences in the level of the hormones in the blood samplings taken by both methods. The results proved that the stress aroused by the blood sampling was caused by catching and immobilization of animals and not by the method of blood aspiration. The traditional method of blood sampling (direct venapuncture) can be used in young animals housed in groups if the whole procedure does not last more than 22 sec., ie before the stress hormones are released in to the peripheral blood.