Haematology and biochemistry reference values for sows kept under modern management conditions.

The data presented here were obtained using blood samples from 159 healthy, conventionally managed sows from 37 breeding herds. Sows were sampled at weaning and at 4-5 weeks gestation. Paired blood samples were analysed from sows that had a normal pregnancy and subsequently farrowed. The mean values of serum total protein, albumin and gamma globulin concentration were lower in the blood samples obtained at weaning compared with those obtained at 4-5 weeks gestation. Leucocyte count was higher, mostly as a result of a higher segmented neutrophil count, in the blood samples obtained at weaning compared with those obtained at 4-5 weeks gestation.