Assessment of the influence of blood collection methods on hematological parameters in Saanen goats: comparison between vacuum system and gravity collection

Hematological tests are essential for assessing the health of goats, and the use of proper sample collection techniques is crucial for the accuracy of the results. In caprine species, the literature contains contraindications for the use of vacuum systems and small gauge needles, as these methods could increase the occurrence of hemolysis due to the greater fragility of the erythrocytes in these species. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of two blood collection methods on the hematological parameters of adult Saanen goats: one method using a vacuum system and a 25 x 0.7 mm needle, and the other using gravity with a 40 x 1.2 mm needle. Fifty healthy goats, with no distinction of management or sex, were used. The analysis of the hematological parameters followed standard methodologies. No significant differences were observed in the results of red blood cell count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, total leukocytes, and total plasma proteins between the two collection methods (significance level of 0.05). These results indicate that, under the study conditions, the vacuum system did not induce significant hemolysis, and both methods are reliable for use in goats.