Transport is a recurrent experience in the life of farm animals and is regarded as a major source of stress, potentially leading to adverse outcomes for their health and welfare. The present study aimed to evaluate how transportation affects selected blood parameters in 45 young bulls transferred from their home farms to a livestock collection facility. The transport period lasted less than 8 hours and took place between January and March 2021. Blood samples were obtained at three stages: before departure (T0), upon arrival at the collection centre (T1), and 7 days post-arrival (T2). Analyses included blood cell counts, biochemical profiling, serum protein electrophoresis, and assessment of innate immune function. Findings revealed a typical stress leukogram with increased neutrophils and altered neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios. No significant variations were recorded in serum proteins or inflammatory cytokines. However, several clinical chemistry parameters showed temporary but significant changes following transport, likely due to handling, transport stress, and mixing with unfamiliar animals. Overall, the transport conditions employed in this study caused only minor fluctuations in the measured blood parameters and did not significantly compromise animal welfare.
