Abstract
The immunogenecity of low molecular weight ($MW{\le}30,000$) immunogens in laying hens was investigated. Immunogens were insulin derivatives and ${\beta}$-lactoglobulin(${\beta}-Lg$). Insulin derivatives were reduced- carboxymethylated(RCM) insulin, and RCM-A and RCM-B chain of insulin. The yolk antibodies against RCM-A chain of insulin appeared after the first immunization. The yolk antibodies against RCM-B chain of insulin were elicited 5 weeks after the third booster injection. Although the anti-RCM-B chain yolk antibodies recognized native insulin, the anti-RCM-A chain yolk antibodies didn't native insulin. The anti-RCM insulin yolk antibodies were induced after the second booster injection and showed cross-reactivities with native insulin. On the other hand, ${\beta}-Lg$ showed stronger immunogenecity than insulin derivatives. The $anti-{\beta}-Lg$ yolk antibodies were produced after the second booster injection and the peak titer was reached 3 weeks after the third booster injection.