A vaccine composition for castrating pigs, comprising
a peptide immunogen and a veterinarily acceptable
delivery vehicle or
adjuvant, wherein the
peptide immunogen comprises (a) a LHRH
peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, and (b) at least one T
helper epitope selected from a group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, 4, and 5, and, optionally, an immunostimulatory
peptide of SEQ IN NO: 6, wherein the LHRH peptide is covalently linked through its N-terminus residue to the T
helper epitope or immunostimulatory peptide. A method for castrating or inhibiting characteristics, including
boar taint, induced by the sexual maturation of pigs using the vaccine composition is also disclosed.