Blood samples obtained from cattle are very useful for a variety of means, from testing for disease to checking pregnancy status. The quick and relatively simple means of taking blood is low stress and almost painless for the animal. However, knowing where and how to place the needle to quickly get a sample is important. Your veterinarian can show you where and how to take a blood sample, though this article will also guide you in following the proper procedures for two locations with two different types of blood sampling.

Two key locations are used for taking blood samples: From the coccygeal vein of the tail-head, and the jugular vein of the neck. There are also two methods of blood sampling: With the classic needle and syringe, and exiting the contents of the syringe into a vaccutainer tube, and with a double-pointed needle that draws blood into a vaccutainer tube, no syringe required.

To make things simpler, the classic needle and syringe is coupled with obtaining a blood sample from the tail-head, and the double-pointed needle holder is coupled with taking blood from the jugular vein. You can use either blood-drawing method from either the tail-head or the neck.