Establishment of an immunological labelling of pigs using synthetic peptides

The objective of this study was to develop a suitable combination consisting of synthetic peptides, carrier protein and adjuvant for immunological labelling of pigs. Specific antibody titres were evaluated by ELISA technique. From 9 peptides 4 were excluded from following investigations showing cross reactivity or low immunogenic effects, sufficient anti-peptide titres were achieved by 5 peptides. Labelling control is possible after 7 days at the earliest and can be used for the whole fattening period after single immunization using an effective carrier-adjuvant-combination. Mixing of peptides in one labelling dose had no negative influence on titres against single peptides. Different combinations of 4 carriers (keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH), palmitic-acid-3-cystein-acid (Pam 3 Cys), palmitic acid (Pam) and dextran) and 4 adjuvants (Montanide IMS 1313, Montanide ISA 25, Quil A und Diluvac forte®) were tested. Optimal labelling could be seen by combination of 50 nmol peptide, KLH as carrier and Montanide IMS 1313 as adjuvant. Generally after booster injection titres were higher, however, a booster dose was not necessary using most effective adjuvants. A less immunogenic, but cost effective alternative for short time labelling (7 weeks) was a peptide-Pam 3 Cys-conjugate (75 nmol) combined with Quil A as an adjuvant (2 mg/ml). Immunological labelling of pigs is recommended as a good method for tracing back the origin of animals and meat products. It may be also used for vaccine labelling to prove vaccination of pigs.