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Active Immunization of Heifers Against Prostaglandin F₂: Potential as a Sterilization Vaccine^1,2,

Washington State University^,5, Pullman 99164-6332

Abstract

Four experiments were conducted with 210 heifers in an attempt to develop a sterilization vaccine by active immunization against prostaglandin F₂ (PGF₂) and to evaluate feedlot performance following immunization against the combination of PGF₂ and estrogens. The objectives were: 1) development of a PGF₂-ovalbumin conjugate that would induce antibody formation when used with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA); 2) comparison of CFA with other adjuvants in relation to PGF₂ antibody binding and maintenance of the corpus luteum; 3) examination of growth performance in immunized heifers against both PGF₂ and estradiol-17β and 4) evaluation of sterilization in PGF₂-immunized heifers maintained with bulls. A PGF₂-ovalbumin conjugate was developed that resulted in antibody production against PGF₂, although antibody binding was quite low. The antibody response in heifers was higher in Exp. I and II than in Exp. II and IV (P<.05). Complete Freund's adjuvant was the best adjuvant in inducing antibody formation compared with all other adjuvants tested (P<.01). Corpus luteum (CL) function was maintained for 2.5 mo and ovulation was apparently blocked in Exp. I. The results of Exp. II confirmed those of Exp. I. Fewer than half of the heifers in Exp. III and IV had prolonged estrous cycles. In Exp. IV, immunized heifers became sterile for at least 4 mo when kept with bulls, although the success rate was only 37%. The low levels of antibody titers to PGF₂ in Exp. III and IV may be the reason for the failure to maintain CL function in some heifers. The reason for the differences in immunization response may be due to variance in conjugation of PGF₂ to ovalbumin because different batches of conjugate were used in each experiment.

¹ Scientific paper no. 7507. College of Agr. and Home Econ., Washington State Univ., Pullman 99164. This research was supported in part by USDA Animal Health Grant No. 83-CRSR-2-2185.

² The authors gratefully acknowledge Dr. V. L. Estergreen, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA for the progesterone antibody and S. R. Becker for editorial assistance.

³ Present address: Dept. of Aquacult., Natl. Taiwan College of Mar. Sci. and Technol., Keelung, Taiwan.

⁴ Reprint requests: Dr. J. J. Reeves, Dept. of Anim. Sci., Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA 99164-6332.

⁵ Dept of Anim. Sci.