Abstract
This study analyzed optimal slaughter ages and carcass traits to investigate factors that affect farm incomes. Carcass characteristics and economical analysis of 81 Hanwoo steers previously tested (Expt. 1) and 5,826 steers from Gangwon-Do, area A (Expt. 2) were used. In Expt. 1, the strongest relationship was between the slaughter age and the carcass weight based on the $R^2$ value, and the weakest relationship was between the slaughter age and the marbling score based on the $R^2$. The slaughter age, marbling score, and rib-eye area of steers slaughtered from 26 to 31 months of age had a positive effect on income, but back fat thickness had a negative effect. In the economical analysis of Expt. 1, the optimal time for slaughter was 31 months of age. In Expt. 2, composed of steers slaughtered from 26 to 35 months of age in farms site of area A, the income was highest from steers slaughtered at 28 months of age, after which the income decreased. From the results of Expt. 1 and 2, it is evident that the optimal slaughter age of Hanwoo steers is affected by the genetic differences of calves, the feeding program and management, fattening skills, or carcass price. In order to improve the income of individual farms, the slaughter age must be precisely decided by understanding the exact relationship between the feeding cost of Hanwoo steers and slaughter results, such as carcass weight, yield grade and quality grade.