Effects of blood sampling by cardiac puncture on subsequent body weights of broilers

The effects of blood sampling via cardiac puncture in broiler chicks 2 to 4 weeks of age on subsequent body weights were examined in three experiments. No differences were found in chicks bled or stabbed with 18, 22, or 25-gauge needles when compared to chicks not blood sampled. However, male chicks bled at both 2 and 3 weeks of age with a 25-gauge needle demonstrated elevated body weights at 8 weeks of age when compared to chicks not blood sampled.