Immunocastration protocol testing - In vivo and post-mortem measurements
Description
Scrotal dimensions (total width; length and width of the left and right sacs) of Bísaro pigs measured every 4 week in vivo, and after slaugther (aggregated weight, testis weight, epididymal weight, testis height, width and depth, and epididymal lenght and width). Animals were randomly assigned in three groups and vaccinated against GnRH with Improvac® (Zoetis) with the standard dosing regimen, using different protocols. Priming started at 9 (Grp1) and 13 weeks of age (Grp2 and Grp3). The booster was performed with two (Grp2 and 3) or three injections (Grp1), 4-weeks apart. Animals in Group 1 and 2 were kept in the farm until 57 week-old, and were revaccinated with two additional administrations (2nd cycle), starting at 49 weeks of age (8 weeks before slaughter). Animals in Group 3 where slaughtered at 37 weeks of age. Eleven animals were kept as intact males throughout the whole experiment (GrpC). Animals in the control group were also maintained until 57 week-old.