Hematologic and biochemical reference values for anesthetized juvenile German crossbred farm pigs

Juvenile crossbred pigs are widely used for acute and chronic animal testing due to their anatomical and physiological resemblance to humans. They are particularly prevalent in preclinical cardiovascular research, including studies investigating extracorporeal resuscitation and mechanical circulatory support devices. However, the availability of comprehensive laboratory reference values is limited. In a single-center study at the University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany, the hematologic and biochemical laboratory values of anesthetized healthy juvenile German crossbred farm pigs were determined. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of surgical procedures, either arterially or venously. Females and males were compared, and correlation with body weight was assessed. In total, 268 animals (weight 57.8 ± 12.4 kg) were included, thereof 180 castrated males (55.2 ± 7.7 kg) and 79 females (63.6 ± 18.3 kg). There were significant differences between males and females in 11 of 45 parameters and a moderate correlation between body weight and creatinine (R = 0.41, p < 0.001). The reference intervals and insights into sex and body weight correlations enhance the utility of healthy juvenile German crossbred farm pigs in translational research, providing a robust reference for future studies.