Range of blood lactate values in farm pigs prior to experimental surgery

In biomedical research the pig is widely used as an animal model for experimental surgery. Feasible monitoring tools during anaesthesia are pivotal for successful and reliable research outcome. Blood lactate values are a monitoring tool and prognostic indicator during surgery both in humans and animals. Lactate levels in pigs might be influenced by various parameters including stressful handling, breed and weight differences. To determine blood lactate levels present prior to experimental surgery, values of 124 female farm pigs were measured in venous blood samples. Pigs presented with blood lactate concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 mmol/L (median, 1.2 mmol/L; interquartile range [IQR] 1.2). Considering genetic background, Rheinhybrid/Pietrain pigs (n = 51; median, 1.4 mmol/L; IQR, 1) had significantly higher blood lactate levels compared with Landrace/Pietrain crossbred animals (n = 73; median, 1.1 mmol/L; IQR, 1; P < 0.05). Body weight had no significant effect on blood lactate levels within the evaluated range. This report can benefit research projects monitoring blood lactate values in farm pigs during experimental surgery.