A new genetically engineered vaccine for animal growth promotion.

The chemically synthesized somatostatin (ss) gene was fused in phase with the 3'-end of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) gene. The fusion gene HBs/ss was then recombined into the genome of vaccinia virus. This recombinant virus (vv-HBs/ss) can express hybrid HBsAg/ss particles which present as determinants on their surfaces, thereby bearing a good immunogenicity. This new strategical vaccine of ss can elicit the production of antibody capable of neutralizing ss in the plasma, and consequently enhance the growth of animals.