The possible range of host animals:

• Rabbits
• Sheep
• Goat
• Chicken
• Mice
• Rats

The most suitable host for antibody production will depend on the amount of antibody needed and the characteristics of the antibodies being made.

Rabbits are suitable for most projects. We offer both NZW and Sandy Half Lop rabbits.  These rabbits are recognised as producing strong immune reactions against most antigens in a relatively short period of time. The raw antisera can be used directly in assays. Rabbits typically give between 40ml and 90ml of serum

Sheep/ Goats give strong immune responses against most antigens and produce large volumes of serum, typically 200ml-300ml per they are the host of choice if large volumes of antisera is required.

Chickens should be considered as the host if  it is important for the phylogenetic relationship between the antigen donor and the antibody producer to be distant. Chickens transfer high quantities of immunoglobulins, (IgY), into the egg yolk, which eliminates the need for invasive bleeding procedures. The antibody needs to be purified before use. There is also a possibility that the chicken could stop laying.


Mice / Rats are used as hosts when screening potential antigens prior to immunisation into a larger host. They only provide small amounts of serum.