The Effect of Immunization Against Lhrh on Carcass Characteristics in Coloured Mohair Goats

Abstract

Immunizing farm animals against luteinizing releasing hormone (LHRH) is an alternative to castration (Thompson, 2000). It suppressed testicular development and reduced sexual activities in domestic species (Adams and Adams, 1992). It has been reported that immunizing male animals against LHRH had no negative effect on carcass quality (Kiyma, et al., 2000 and Huxol et al., 1998). A recombinant fusion protein, ovalbumin-LHRH-7 was developed (Zhang et al., 1999). The immunocastrate effect of this recombinant protein was demonstrated in farm animals (Ulker et al., 2003). The aim of the present study was to compare the carcass traits of goat kids intact, surgically castrated and actively immunized against LHRH using ovalbumin-LHRH-7 fusion protein.