Neonatal immunisation against a novel gonadotrophin-releasing hormone construct delays the onset of gonadal growth and puberty in bull calves
J. H. Hernandez-Medrano A D , R. W. Williams A , A. R. Peters A , D. Hannant B , B. K. Campbell C and R. Webb A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Division of Animal Sciences, School of Biosciences, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.
B School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.
C Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
D Corresponding author. Email: juan.hernandez-medrano@nottingham.ac.uk
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 24(7) 973-982 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD11210
Submitted: 19 August 2011 Accepted: 3 February 2012 Published: 20 March 2012
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the neonatal immunisation of bull calves against a novel gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) construct, comprised of GnRH coupled to the glycoprotein D subunit of the bovine herpes virus-1 (GnRH–BHV1 gD), on endocrine status, reproductive organ development and carcass quality. Eighteen bull calves received either GnRH construct (n = 9) or saline (control; n = 9) at 2, 6 and 13.5 weeks of age. Blood samples were taken to determine antibody titres against GnRH, FSH and testosterone (T) concentrations and LH pulse characteristics, with testicular circumference monitored monthly. Immunisation reduced LH pulse amplitude (P < 0.05) and T concentrations (P < 0.05), particularly at the peak in anti-GnRH titres after the second booster at 16 weeks of age (P < 0.001), but not when titres fell. Despite antibody titres decreasing after 16 weeks, immunisation reduced testicular size between 16 to 57 weeks of age (P < 0.05), provoking an 8-week delay in puberty onset, defined as testicular circumference ≥14 cm. In conclusion, neonatal immunisation induced a significant immune response against GnRH, provoking a temporary endocrine disturbance that had a long-term effect on testicular development, delaying the onset of puberty. These results support the hypothesis that a developmental window exists during testicular development, such that disturbance of the endocrine drive to the gonads during this period results in a longer-term impairment of gonadal function.
Additional keywords: cattle, immunocastration, immunosterilisation.
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