An apparatus useful for the rapid collection of blood from a subject (e.g., a blood vessel, such as the vein, artery or capillary bed of a bovine subject) and dispensing the blood therefrom into a test or collection device. In general, the apparatus comprises: (a) a body having a chamber formed therein, said chamber having an inlet and outlet, with said chamber configured to draw blood therein; (b) a hollow barrel connected to said chamber outlet; (c) an ejector operatively associated with said barrel; (d) a hollow needle connected to said body, with said hollow needle in fluid communication with said chamber through said inlet, so that blood can be rapidly drawn into said chamber through said needle. The needle is optionally removed and blood dispensed from the body into a test or collection device by actuating the ejector.