Immunisation against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) increases growth and reduces variability in group-housed boars

Abstract

It is generally accepted that entire boars are leaner and more efficient than barrows but that they have poorer meat quality with an increased risk of boar taint. An additional issue in producing boars to meet market specifications is variation in growth performance, which may be exacerbated by high levels of aggression and mounting behaviour in group-housed animals. Immunisation against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to immunological castration, offers a means of reducing aggression and mounting behaviour while maintaining most of the production efficiencies associated with entire boars. A total of 120 control boars, 120 immunised boars and 60 barrows (physically castrated ..