Technical note: A vacuum-assisted approach for biopsying the mammary glands of various species

Abstract

Biopsy of the mammary glands is a technique used in both research and clinical diagnosis. A vacuum-assisted approach that enables the collection of tissue from the mammary glands of various species is described, along with methods for biopsying cows and pigs. The procedure involves tissue penetration via blunt dissection with a sharpened trocar. Tissue cores are excised and collected via the vacuum-assisted handpiece followed by a saline lavage and wound closure. This approach yields tissue cores of approximately 100. mg, is well suited for use in various species, and affords the potential to reduce postoperative complications. © 2012 American Dairy Science Association.