Immune, growth and carcass responses of ram lambs to active immunization against desulfated cholecystokinin (CCK-8).

This study explored feed intake and carcass responses to active immunization against desulfated cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) in ram lambs. Antibody titers 8 wk following primary immunization and booster immunizations given at 4 and 6 wk averaged greater than 1:1,000. Titers increased to greater than 1:10,000 by 16 wk following a final booster immunization at 11 wk. The antibodies developed against desulfated CCK-8 exhibited 29% and 13% cross-reactivities for sulfated CCK-8 and gastrin-17, respectively. Immunization against desulfated CCK-8 had no effect on feed intake, ADG, carcass weight or carcass quality grade. Backfat thickness and carcass yield grade were reduced (P less than .05) by immunization. Organ weights at slaughter, including those of the pancreas and small intestines, were not affected by CCK-8 immunization, with the exception of the lungs, which were 16% lighter (P less than .01) in immunized lambs. In conclusion, active immunization against desulfated CCK-8 resulted in development of high antibody titers against desulfated and sulfated CCK-8. Immunization against CCK-8 decreased fat content of the carcass but failed to affect feed intake, carcass weight or ADG.