Blood samples from adult pigs are most commonly taken from the external jugular vein. The animal must be held using a snout rope and the neck must be stretched well upwards.

Where is a pigs jugular vein?

The jugular lies against the medial surface of the bulk of the muscles in the neck (Figure 3). There- fore, placing the fingertips of the hand in the jugular groove will give the bleeder the approximate position of that medial surface.

Do animals have a jugular vein?

The jugular vein often is used to administer intravenous drugs and collect blood samples (Figure 1-5, A and B). In sheep and goats the jugular vein can be found lying in a line starting at the base of the ear running down the neck to the thoracic inlet.