Swine
The challenge: As male pigs (Sus domesticus) mature, foul-smelling compounds such as androstenone and skatole build-up in the fat (also known as boar taint) and make the meat inedible. To avoid surgical castration, pork producers can use a multi-dose vaccine to block testicular function and prevent boar taint; however, this is labor intensive.
Ongoing trials:
- Trial ongoing to test a single-dose GnRH vaccine to prevent boar taint.
Bison
The challenge: Bison are raised on grasslands and provide a leaner alternative to beef. Similar to cattle, females can be managed separately from males or be sterilized surgically by ovariectomy to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Unfortunately, these management practices come with additional costs, and surgical sterilization can retard daily weight gain and be associated with life-threatening complications.
Ongoing trials:
- Trial initiated to test the contraceptive efficacy of SpayVac-pZP and SpayVac-GnRH vaccine formulations as a humane alternative to current management practices.
Aquaculture
The challenge: Farmed fish that escape and breed with wild counterparts may produce offspring less suited to wild survival. Maturing females direct the majority of their energy into egg production rather than growth.
Ongoing trials:
- Initial trial demonstrated antibody titer response to vaccination with both SpayVac-pZP and SpayVac-GnRH
- Follow-on studies planned to test whether immunization can prevent sexual maturation
