• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.389-398
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• 2010

The present experiment was carried out to compare performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality among three major meat-type duck strains in Korea. Two commercial duck (CD) strains, produced from parent stocks (PS) (Cherry Valley and Grimaud), and $F_1$ strains, self-produced by farmers, were used in an 8-week feeding experiment. Both feed conversion ratio and production index were significantly higher in Cherry Valley strain compared with the other two at the ends of 6 and 8 weeks (p<0.05). However, no differences were found in carcass characteristics and meat quality, with the exception of abdominal fat weight where Grimaud were higher than the others. Overall, the results of the current study show that Cherry Valley CD strain had higher performance among three strains tested.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.97-103
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• 2013

The present study examined effects of production performance, immune activity and egg quality by raising on exercise yard in laying Hens, the results of which could be used as baseline data to enhance animal welfare and the safety of livestock products. A total of 90 Hy-line-Brown laying hens of 13 weeks old were used in the experiment for 38 weeks. The cage group (Cage group) was raised in a cage, where an area of $0.084m^2$ was assigned to two hens, while hens in the exercise yard $1.1m^2$ group ($1.1m^2$ group) was assigned to a combination of a chicken house ($0.11m^2$) and a exercise yard ($1.1m^2$) per a hen. Hens in the exercise yard $2.2m^2$ group ($2.2m^2$ group) was assigned to a combination of a chicken house ($0.11m^2$) and a exercise yard ($2.2m^2$) per a hen. Treatment was replicated 3 times with ten birds per replication. Ten birds were arranged according to randomized block design. While initial egg production rate was significantly higher in the Cage group, $1.1m^2$ group exhibited a slightly higher rate in the mid- and late-stage of the experiment, although the difference was not statistically significant. Exercise yard treatment groups exhibited a higher feed intake rate than the Cage group up until the hens were 39 weeks old (P<0.05), but the difference dissipated from that age on. The age at first egg in the exercise yard treatment groups was 16 days later than that for the Cage group (P<0.05), although differences in the quality of the eggs were not observed. The results of immune activity test showed that IgA in the exercise yard treatment groups was significantly higher than that in the Cage group (P<0.05). IgG, IgM, and corticosterone were also higher in the exercise yard treatment groups. The soil in exercise yard increased of organic matter and decreased of cation exchange capacity (CEC) in raised hens. In sum, raising hens in a exercise yard raise style decreased the rate of initial egg production, which was followed by a slight increase during the latter part of the experiment. The exercise yard raise hens' immune activity was heightened.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.85-99
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• 2008

Avian reovirus (ARV) is a causative agent of viral arthritis/tenosynovitis, and malabsorption syndrome in broiler. The characteristics of malabsorption syndrome caused by ARV are diarrhea, poor feed conversion and stunting. Therefore, ARV infection has been recognized as one of the most important disease in the poultry industry because of economical losses. However, few study of ARV infection in broiler industry has been conducted in Korea. To evaluate the presence of ARV infection in broiler farms, epidemiological survey such as serological test and virus isolation has been conducted. For the serological survey using ELISA method, we selected five broiler farms which were located at different area and had a history of growth retardation, lameness, diarrhea and poor feathering. From these farms serum samples were collected at 1 day, 14 days and market age. All these farms had no history of vaccination against ARV. In addition to serological survey, we tried to isolate ARV from birds of designated farms at market age and collected feces and tissue samples such as cecal tonsil, intestine and liver. We were identified ARV by RT-PCR and transmissible electron microscopy. The samples were inoculated into 9-day-old embryonated eggs via the chorioallantoic membrane to observe the pock formation. For the pathogenicity test of ARV isolates, we inoculated with the isolates to the right footpad of 3-week-old SPF chicks and observed clinical signs and pathological changes for 14 days after challenge. Most broilers sampled for serological survey have maternal antibodies which were widely distributed at 1 day and decreased by 14 days. However, at the market age several broiler farms showed fairly high antibody titer against ARV. This increase of antibody titer at market age means the possible infection of ARV during the grow-out period. Among total 15 samples for the isolation of ARV. 2 samples were positive by RT-PCR and finally identified as a ARV. We inoculated these isolates in the SPF birds and observed that the antibody titer was increased from 7 days after challenge. However, we did not find any clinical signs both control and challenge groups. Based on the above results, it is clear that the ARV infection has been circulated in the broiler industry and caused significant economic losses. Further study is needed to evaluate the virulence of the isolates in the digestive system of broiler and the molecular characteristics of isolates.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.131-137
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• 2010

The present study has been performed to suggest a method to decrease the adverse effects of transportation on chicken meat quality. The groups were prepared as follows; Control group and three groups of treatments (sodium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium sulfate). The chicken fed magnesium sulfate showed higher chicken meat quality compared to control and other treatment groups. Also, minor and severe PSE incidence of chicken breast was found at 88% in sodium phosphate group, 24% in sodium bicarbonate group and 56% in magnesium sulfate group. Control group showed 92% higher minor and severe PSE incidence of chicken breast compared to other groups. In control group, the external bruise of chicken showed 32% but 22, 24 and 44% in other treatment groups, respectively. Lightness ($L^*$) of chicken containing sodium phosphate treatment, sodium bicarbonate treatment and magnesium sulfate were 67.05, 66.27 and 65.89, while Lightness ($L^*$) of chicken containing control group was decreased of 67.88. In conclusion, dietary buffer material (sodium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate) under heat stress decreased adverse effects including death, wound or abnormality of chickens.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.215-221
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• 2019

This study investigated the effects of various stocking densities on the growth performance of Korean native ducks. Twelve hundred day-old ducklings were reared for 50 days in a duck house (windowless, plastic wire-floor pen). Two weeks later, 852 of these ducks (350±30 g) were selected for at least 80% uniformity per stocking treatment (six treatments, four replications/treatment, depending on a stocking density of 4~9 birds m^-2). Experimental diets were corn-soybean-based and broiler ducks were grouped based on age [0~21 days of age (CP 21%, ME 2,900 kcal/kg) and 21~50 days of age (CP 17%, ME 3,100 kcal/kg)]. Body weight (BW) did not significantly differ among different aged treatment groups (P>0.05); however, uniformity decreased with higher stocking densities (P<0.05). Feed intake and feed conversion ratio of ducks aged 42~50 days significantly decreased in the T4-6 treatments compared with the T1-3 treatments (P<0.05). In all experimental periods, BW gain was not significantly different among treatments, but feed intake decreased significantly as the stocking density increased (P<0.05), and feed conversion ratio was significantly different among six treatments with stocking density (P<0.05). In conclusion, we found that the stocking density of Korean native ducks in a plastic wire-floor pen was approximately 7 birds m^-2 in consideration of productivity and uniformity.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.157-164
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• 2004

The objective of this study was to investigate the association of growth rate with body weight or shank length at birth in broiler chickens. Cobb and Ross breeds were used as experimental stocks and four groups were assigned in each breed; thirteen-male and twelve-female chicks(25 birds) were allocated in each group. The heavier body weight group(HBW) and the lighter body weight group(LBW) were established by birth weight. Whereas, the longer shank length group(LSL) and the shorter shank length group(SSL) were established by shank length at birth. The heavier group chicks in birth weight were significantly(P < 0.05) the longer in shank length at birth. The differences between HBW and LSL or between LBW and SSL in the mean 5-wk body weight of Cobb were not significantly different in each other; however, HBW and LSL were significantly(P < 0.05) heavier than LBW or SSL. Whereas, there were no significant differences in the mean 5-wk body weight of Ross although HBW was heavier by 13.1 g than LBW and LSL was heavier by 68.0 g than SSL. In the mean 5-wk shank length, the LSL of Cobb and Ross was longer by 2.9 mm and 1.3 mm than SSL, respectively; however, the significant(P < 0.05) difference was showed in Cobb only. In both breeds, the differences in the mean 5-wk shank length between HBW and LBW were not great. By the results of correlation analysis, the associations of the overall mean birth weights with the overall mean shank length at birth or the association of the 0～5 wk growth rate with the change of shank length during 0～5 wk showed highly significant(P < 0.01～0.001) in both breeds. The present study suggested that the selection based on birth weight could be at advantage due to easier and more accurate tool in using for the improvement growth rate in broiler chickens because the measurement of shank length takes individually longer and less accurate than the measurement of body weight.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.253-262
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• 2013

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of floor type and heating system on performance, housing environment and health status of ducks reared in three types of duck house (OD : Open floor house-Direct heating system, OF : Open floor house-Floor heating system and LD : Loft type house-Direct heating system). In OF treatment, PVC pipes were installed for heating under concrete floor and covered with litter. In LD treatment, plastic mesh was installed 50 cm above the floor so that duck's droppings can pass through it. Each treatment had four replicates of 25 birds (Cherry Valley duck breed) per pen. There were no significant differences in weight gain and feed intake of ducks for 6 weeks among all treatments. However, feed conversion ratio in LD was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in OF. No differences were found in carcass charac- teristics, with the exception of abdominal fat weight where OF were higher than the others. Concentrations of $CO_2$ and $NH_3$ gas in OD were higher than those of OF and LD at 3, 4 and 5 weeks. Moisture content in litter of OF was lower than that of OD. In contrast, the amount of dust in the air was higher in OF than in OD. The amount of fuel used for 6 weeks in LD was lower about 21% than that in OD. Some of unusual symptoms were observed in open floor house and loft type house, such as lying, spraddle legged, twisted ankle and legs, wounded sole, or etc. No components of leukocyte and erythrocyte of blood were significantly different among all treatments. The results of this experiment showed that OF and LD systems had no positive effects on performance of meat type commercial duck. However, there were some positive effects of certain house type for the improvement of environmental condition in duck house for hygienic production. In the future, more research on the effect of various facilities and systems for duck house is needed.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.83-95
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• 2024

This study aimed to assess the performance of laying hens across twelve crossbreed strains (i.e., CFCK, CFYC, CFYD, CKCF, CKYC, CKYD, YCYD, YCCF, YCCK, YDCF, YDCK, and YDYC) of Korean native chicken (KNC) and compare them with Hy-Line Brown layers. A total of 287 18-week-old laying hens were placed in battery cages by strains (2-5 birds per pen). Results indicated that the YCYD and YDYC strains exhibited numerically heavier body weights than Hy-Line Brown at week 18-64. CKYC and YDYC strains demonstrated more than 94% viability by week 64. The CFYC strain had an age of first egg laying of 127 days, and the YDCF strain reached an age of 50% egg production at 140 days, both earlier than their parent stock. The YDCF strain showed over 70% egg production for up to 60 weeks. Regarding egg quality, the CKCF and YCCF strains had numerically higher egg weights among the KNC groups at week 24-64, with the YDYC strain showing a darker (P<0.05) eggshell color compared to CKCF at week 40. Moreover, KNC crossbreeds showed a higher (P<0.05) egg yolk ratio than Hy-Line Brown. In conclusion, the YDCF and YCCF crossbreeds exhibited the most desirable new synthetic Korean native commercial layer based on egg production and quality parameters. Therefore, these strains could be a viable substitute for Hy-Line Brown layers.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.111-116
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• 2020

This study was conducted to determine the maintenance energy requirements of growing goats in order to establish an appropriate energy benefit system, to reduce feed costs and improve livestock productivity of goat farmers, and to present basic data for detailed specifications afterwards. This experiment was conducted as a group specification test for a total of 3 months, with 32 goats of three months age and conducted by four treatments with different energy levels (T1: NRC+0%, T2: NRC+10%, T3: NRC+20%, and T4: NRC+30%). The average daily gain was the highest in the treated with NRC + 10% of the energy level of the experimental diet, and the feed conversion ratio was in the range of 6.3 g to 7.3 g in the group feeding experiment. Although there was no significant difference in digestibility between treatments, the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and crude fat was higher in T2 treated with NRC + 10% than the other treatments. Through the regression equation of the values of MEI and ADG obtained through the experiment (Y=0.5439X+111.51, R²=0.712), the maintenance energy requirement of the goat in the growing period was estimated to be 111.51 kcal/kgBW^0.75.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.219-228
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• 2018

This study was conducted twice to investigate egg purchase behavior and perception on animal welfare of Korean consumers. This study included women, who were the main decision makers and caretakers in the household, and men with one-person household. This survey was conducted with by the Computer Assisted Web Interview and Gang Survey methods. On the key considerations factor, the highest response rate was considered to be 'price', and the response rate of considering 'packing date' increased in the second survey. At a reasonable price based on 10 eggs, the response rate was the highest at 53.8% and 42.9% in both the first and second surveys and the appropriate price averages were 2,482 won and 2,132 won, respectively. The highest rate of purchase of egg consumers from 'Large Mart' followed by 'Medium sized supermarket' and 'Chain supermarket'. As for the awareness about animal welfare, the recognition ratio (73.5%) was higher in the result of the second survey than the first. The cognitive period of animal welfare was 59.0% before the insecticide egg crisis and 41.0% thereafter. Regarding whether or not they have ever seen an animal welfare certification mark and an animal welfare animal farm certification mark, 59.6% of respondents said that they saw it for the first time and 37.6% answered that they knew the animal welfare certification mark. On the animal welfare system, the 'free-range' response rate was the highest at 85.8%. The 'free-range' fit response decreased by 34.2%p, while the 'barn' and 'European type' fit response increased by 13.2%p and 24.1%p, respectively. The number of 'I have never seen' and 'I have ever eaten' responses to the recognition and eating experience of animal welfare certified eggs decreased while the number of those who answered 'Have ever seen' and 'Have eaten' increased. The answer of purchasing animal welfare certified eggs at department stores, organic farming cooperatives, and internet shopping malls was higher than that of buying conventional eggs. Of the total respondents, 92.0% were willing to purchase an animal welfare egg before the price was offered, but after offering the prices of animal welfare eggs, the intention to purchase was 62.7%, which was about 30%p lower than before. The reason for purchasing an animal welfare certified egg was the highest score of 71.0% for 'I think it is likely to be high in food safety', and 38.1% for 'I think the price is high' for lack of intention to purchase. In the sensory evaluation of animal welfare eggs, egg color and skin texture of conventional eggs were significantly higher than those of certified welfare eggs (P<0.05), and boiled eggs showed that egg whites of animal welfare certified eggs were more (P<0.05). As a result, the results of this study will contribute to the activation of the animal welfare certification system for laying hens by providing basic data on consumer awareness to animal welfare certified farmers.