• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1881-1889
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• 2018

Objective: In dryland areas of China, alfalfa hay (AH) is a possible substitute for concentrate feed for beef cattle. To evaluate the potential benefits of this substitution, we studied the effect of the ratio of AH intake to total dry matter (DM) intake on average daily body-weight gain (ADG), dietary energy utilization status, and economic benefit in Gansu province. Methods: In each of two feeding trials in 2016 (trial 1 [T1], July 3 to 17; trial 2 [T2], August 15 to September 23), crossbred male Simmental calves were allocated to low AH (LA), medium AH (MA), and high AH (HA) feeding groups (n = 4 per group). The target ADG was set as 1 kg for both trials. In a one-way-layout design based on conventional feeding practices in the province, calves received diets containing the different AH amounts, with a constant ratio of corn stover:total DM and decreasing rations of concentrate feed proportional to the increase in AH. Calves in T1 received AH at 15% (T1-LA), 23% (T1-MA), or 31% (T1-HA) of their dietary DM allowances; those in T2 received 9% (T2-LA), 24% (T2-MA), or 34% (T2-HA) AH. Results: Among the T1 groups, both ADG and economic benefit were highest in T1-LA; whereas in T2, they were higher in the T2-LA and T2-MA groups than in T2-HA. Energy digestibility did not significantly differ among the groups in either trial. The dietary AH inclusion ratios of 14% in the warm season and 8% to 21% in the cool season appeared to yield optimal ADG, metabolizable energy intake, and economic benefit. Conclusion: Low-level inclusion of AH, ranging from 8% to 21%, is a practical approach for beef cattle feeding. This modified feeding regimen likely will promote increased growth performance during the fattening stage of beef steers in dryland areas of Gansu province, China.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.361-368
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• 2015

This study was to investigate the effect of high energy diet on characteristics of Hanwoo steers distributed by estimated breeding value (EBV). The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of high energy diet on the high and low beef group distributed by EBV for quality grades. We hypothesized that high energy diet is able to increase quality traits in high EBV groups when fed a high energy diet. A $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement (High energy, control vs high EBV, low EBV) in a completely random design was used to feed 26 Hanwoo steers. Blood was drawn from each steers from 11 to 28 months. ADG and feed efficiency were not different between high energy and control diet (P>0.05). The level of DMI was greater at calf and early fattening diet in low EBV groups (P<0.05). Serum glucose and tryglyceride conecntrations were increased (P<0.05) by high EBV group from 22 to 28 month old. Serum NEFA concentration were plateau at 24 months at high EBV group and steady reduced by high energy diet (P<0.05). This data indicated that high energy diets increased serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations of high EBV steers at final fattening period.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.587-594
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• 2012

TMR (total mixed ration) feed was developed by adding mugwort and was fed to Korean black cattle. The effects on the physicochemical properties of the Korean black cattle, when fed mugwort, were investigated, as was the feasibility of producing beef with high quality and functionality. Korean black cattle were reared by using basal TMR (control) and basal TMR supplemented with mugwort of middle fattening 4.6% and late fattening 6.5% (treatment). The content of total catechin in Korean black cattle fed with the control and treatment was 0.262 and 0.379 mg/kg, respectively, while the content of epicatechin was 0.042 and 0.059 mg/kg, respectively, both of which were a significant increase from feeding the cattle TMR with mugwort ($p$ <0.05). There was no significant difference between the control and treatment in terms of $L^*$ (lightness), $b^*$ (yellowness), pH, VBN (volatile basic nitrogen) content, bacterial counts, water-holding capacity, freezing loss, thawing loss, cooking loss, cohesiveness, chewiness, shear force, and sensory score. TBARS (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and springiness for the control were significantly higher than the treatment ($p$ <0.05). The $a^*$ (redness), EDA (electron donating ability), hardness, and gumminess for the treatment were significantly higher than for the control ($p$ <0.05). These results suggest that the feed containing mugwort can be used to improve color and increase antioxidant ability as functional feed.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.247-254
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• 2006

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of feeding levels of barley grain in diets of Hanwoo on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo. Twenty Hanwoo bull calves (initial mean body wt. 99kg) were randomly divided to examine the effects of 5 feeding levels of barley grains(addition levels: 0, 0 and 40% for FII40; 0, 0 and 60% for FII60; 0, 20 and 40% for F2040; and 0, 20 and 60% for F2060 during the growing, early fattening and late fattening periods, respectively) on growth performance and meat quality. Body weight was not affected by the feeding level of barley grains through the whole experimental period, although the body weight of Hanwoo bulls fed FII40 diet at 24 months old of age tended to be lower(591.5kg) than that of other animals(606.2～614.6kg). However, body weight gain in the bulls of the FII60 diet was slightly increased(P<.19). The feeding levels of barley grains did not influence on fasting body weight, carcass weight, carcass rate, lean meat, retailed cut, KPH fat and bone yield. The lean meat yield(89.82%) and fat yield(20.28%) tended to increase in Hanwoo bulls fed the F2060 compared with other treatments. Feeding of the diets of FII40 resulted in the higher marbling scores as 3.75, respectively than other diets.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.596-610
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• 2023

Focusing high marble deposition, Hanwoo feedlot system uses high-energy diet over the prolonged fattening period. However, due to the individual genetic variation, around 40% of them are graded into inferior quality grades (QG), despite they utilized the same resources. Therefore, focusing on development of a nutrigenomic based precision management model, this study was to evaluated the response to the divergent selection on genetic merit for marbling score (MS), under different dietary total digestible nutrient (TDN) levels. Total of 111 calves were genotyped and initially grouped according to estimated breeding value (high and low) for marbling score (MS-EBV). Subsequently, managed under two levels of feed TDN%, over the calf period, early, middle, and final fattening periods following 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Carcasses were evaluated for MS, Back fat thickness (BFT) and Korean beef quality grading standard. As the direct response to the selection was significant, the results confirmed the importance of initial genetic grouping of Hanwoo steers for MS-EBV. However, dietary TDN level did not show an effect (p > 0.05) on the MS. Furthermore, no genetic-by-nutrition interaction for MS (p > 0.05) was also observed. The present results showed no correlation response on BFT (p > 0.05), which indicates that the selection based on MS-EBV can be used to enhance the MS without undesirable effect on BFT. Ultimate turnover of the Hanwoo feedlot operation is primarily determined by the QGs. The present model shows that the initial grouping for MS-EBV increased the proportion of carcasses graded for higher QGs (QG1⁺⁺ and QG1⁺) by approximately 20%. Moreover, there appear to be a potential to increase the proportion of QG 1⁺⁺ animals among the high-genetic group by further increasing the dietary energy content. Overall, this precision management strategy suggests the importance of adopting an MS based initial genetic grouping system for Hanwoo steers with a subsequent divergent management based on dietary energy level.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.79-93
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• 2013

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding herbaceous peat on growth performance and meat quality of Holstein beef cattle. Total of 20 Holstein beef cattle (18~20 month of age, $657{\pm}31kg$ body weight) were conventionally and separately fed a concentrate diet and rice straw for 134 days. The dietary treatments were randomly assigned by complete block design into four treatments, each of which were five heads in early fattening stage. The treatments in this study were the control group fed basal diet, feeding herbaceous peat group (5%/diet, T1), feeding coated vitamin C group (20g/head, T2) and feeding mixture of herbaceous peat and coated vitamin C group (5%/diet+20g/head, T3). The initial body weights between the groups of control, T1, T2 and T3 were similar showing with $689{\pm}31$, $661{\pm}24$, $659{\pm}32$ and $622{\pm}19kg$. The daily body weight gain was higher in T3 by 8.3% than that in the control (p<0.05). Glucose concentration in control group was the highest among treatments (p<0.05), but there was no significant differences between treatments on AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), BUN and total protein concentrations of blood. The fat content of sirloin in the T2 was significantly higher than control and T1 group (p<0.05). Meat color (CIE) values in T2 was the highest among treatments (p<0.05), and other treatments also increased those values. In overall, the feeding herbaceous peat and vitamin C to the Holstein beef cattle was considered to have positive effects on the growth performance of Holstein beef cattle. In addition, the effects on the performances of animals were more improved when fed herbaceous peat and vitamin C concurrently.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.638-647
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• 2020

This study determined the substitution effects of rice for corn as the main grain source in a total mixed ration (TMR). In vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and microbes were assessed using two experimental diets. Diets included 33% dry matter (DM) of either corn (Corn TMR) or rice grains (Rice TMR). In a 48-h in vitro incubation, DM digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber degradability (IVNDFD), crude protein digestibility (IVCPD), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) were estimated. Gas production has been calculated at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Our results indicate that the gas production, VFAs, IVDMD, and IVNDFD of Rice TMR were higher than those of Corn TMR (p < 0.05). Ruminal pH and total fungi were significantly higher in Corn TMR (p < 0.05) than in Rice TMR; however, NH₃-N and IVCPD were not affected by treatment type. In conclusion, substituting rice for corn at 33% DM in TMR appears to have no negative effects on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Therefore, rice grains are an appropriate alternative energy source in early fattening stage diets of beef cattle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.10
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• pp.1598-1603
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• 2018

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate kenaf as a roughage source in vitro and its effects on meat quality of Hanwoo (Korean native) cattle. Methods: Three roughage materials, rice straw silage, ryegrass silage, and kenaf silage, were tested in a batch culture and feeding trial. Rumen fermentation parameters, including gas, pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA), and ammonia were analyzed. In the feeding trial, Hanwoo steers ($373.5{\pm}5.1kg$, n = 36, 11 month of age) were divided into three feeding groups (n = 12 each). Animals were fed with each silage and concentrate until the fattening stage. Results: Crude protein, ether extract, and non-structural carbohydrates were greater in kenaf silage. Total gas production was higher in ryegrass silage, followed by kenaf silage and rice straw silage (p<0.05). Total VFA and individual VFA (acetate, propionate, and n-butyrate) were greater in kenaf silage than rice straw silage (p<0.05). In vitro dry matter digestibility showed a similar trend to that of total gas and VFA production; it was higher in ryegrass silage and lower in rice straw (p<0.05). Throughout the feeding trial, the rice straw silage group showed significantly greater average daily gain than did the others (p<0.05). The feed conversion ratio in the group fed kenaf silage was significantly greater than that of others (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in yield or quality traits, including carcass weight, ribeye area, backfat thickness, and scores for marbling, meat color, and fat color (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that no negative effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics occurred across treatments. Therefore, kenaf could be substituted for rice straw, which is most widely used as a roughage source in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.387-396
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• 2021

This study was conducted to provide basic data for efficient Hanwoo beef production by conducting a comparison of growth performance, blood metabolites, testosterone, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo according to complete and hemi-castration. Twelve Hanwoo calves were allotted to two treatment groups as follows: CC = complete-castration and HC = hemi-castration method of removing only one testicle. At the end of the test, the body weight was 66 kg higher in HC than in CC, and the average daily gain increased by 12.6% (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in HC compared to CC (p < 0.05). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher in CC than HC in both the growing and fattening periods (p < 0.05), and serum testosterone concentrations before castration were similar between HC and CC, but steadily increasing in HC after castration. Back fat thickness and marbling score were significantly higher in CC than HC in the entire period (p < 0.01). In the results of this study, hemi-castration can improve body weight gain and feed conversion ratio due to the influence of male hormones compared to complete castration, but it is considered that there will be difficulties in producing high-quality meat with a high marbling score.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.45-58
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• 2021

This study investigated the dietary effect of total mixed ration (TMR) based on high roughage content on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Hanwoo steers. Twenty-four Hanwoo steers (average body weight, 195.3±4.7 kg; age, 8.5 mon) were randomly allocated to three experimental groups according to forage and concentrate ratio (DM basis): 25:75 (control), 50:50 (T50), and 70:30 (T70). Productivity in the fattening period and final body weight were significantly higher in the control. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were the same among treatments. Serum parameters, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and total protein were higher in the control. Carcass weight was comparable in the control and T50 but feeding more roughage was significantly correlated with a higher intramuscular fat. Shear strength and drip loss were higher while n-6/n-3 was lower in T70 compared to the other groups. However, meat color was not significantly different among treatments. In terms of free amino acid contents, glutamic acid and glycine were higher in the control than T50 and T70. Overall, feeding Hanwoo steers with high forage content TMR had the lowest n-6/n-3 ratio of fatty acid content but highest intramuscular fat, shear strength, and drip loss. High forage content TMR is the best feed for Hanwoo steers that gives more benefits for human health and consumption but also provides the best meat grade and quality, which is important in the beef market in Korea.