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Journal of Animal Science, Vol 76, Issue 9 2456-2463, Copyright © 1998 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Vaccination against ergot alkaloids and the effect of endophyte-infected fescue seed-based diets on rabbits

N. M. Filipov, F. N. Thompson, N. S. Hill, D. L. Dawe, J. A. Stuedemann, J. C. Price and C. K. Smith
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.

Three sequential experiments were conducted with rabbits to 1) determine the effect of endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue seed on rabbit performance and examine the effect of anti-ergot alkaloid immunization on rabbit performance and protectiveness against fescue toxicosis, 2) compare immunogens designed to elicit systemic anti-ergot alkaloid antibodies, and 3) select a superior adjuvant. In Exp. 1, rabbits (n = 6/treatment) fed E+ fescue seed diets (20%, 340 ppb total ergot alkaloids) had reduced (P < .05) intake and weight gain compared with endophyte-free (E-) controls, whereas apparent diet digestibility was not different between E+ and E-. Rabbits immunized against ergot alkaloids (E+ vac) with lysergol conjugated to human serum albumin (Ly-HSA) had greater (P < .05) intake than E+ rabbits during the wk 1 of a 3-wk dietary challenge. In Exp. 2, rabbits (n = 4/treatment) were immunized with Ly-HSA, with H100-B (ergot alkaloid hapten, H100-different protein carrier, B conjugate), or combinations of both with alum as adjuvant. Greatest (P < .001) anti-ergot alkaloid antibody (Ab) titer developed in the group immunized with H100-B. In Exp. 3, rabbits (n = 4/treatment) were immunized with the immunogen H100-B in conjunction with six adjuvants. Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) in combination with DEAE-dextran and FIA alone gave highest anti-ergot titers. In summary, rabbit weight gain and intake were reduced by feeding E+ fescue seed diets, immunization against ergot alkaloids provided temporary improvement in intake, and H100-B conjugate with FIA or FIA + DEAE-dextran as adjuvants elicited a superior anti-ergot immune response. We believe that rabbits may serve as a model animal for fescue toxicosis research.


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S. T. Lee, B. L. Stegelmeier, K. E. Panter, J. A. Pfister, D. R. Gardner, T. K. Schoch, and L. F. James
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