• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.397-414
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• 2008

In order to evaluate conception rate of Hanwoo in northwestern region of Gyeongsang-nam-do, we investigated conception rate and reduction of reproductive disorder rate after artificial insemination (AI) in 1,000 heads of breeding cows, This study showed that 80.9% of cows were classified as fertility after 1st and 2nd AI. For a accurate pregnancy diagnosis with practicing ovariectomy and histeotomy, we comparatively investigated each of 80 slaughtered cows, including 30 of non-pregnancy, and used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for estimation of plasma progesterone concentration and serum luteal hormone. The mean diameter of non-pregnant corpus luteum is $18.9{\pm}4.2{\times}15.6{\pm}3.6 mm$ and that of pregnant corpus luteum is $22.5{\pm}2.7{\times}18.7{\pm}2.9 mm$. This indicates that corpus luteum is more developed in the ovary of pregnant than non-pregnant cows (P<0.05). The diameter of pregnant corpus luteum according to the stage of pregnancy showed $21.3{\pm}2.4{\pm}18.4{\pm}2.6 mm$ in early stage (1-3 month), $23.4{\pm}2.8{\times}19.1{\pm}2.7 mm$ in middle stage (4-6 month) and $22.8{\pm}3.0{\times}18.8{\pm}2.4mm$, in last stage (7-9 month). This indicates that corpus luteum in middle and last stage is more significantly developed than that of early stage(P<0.05). The mean plasma progesterone concentration of cows showing size of non-pregnant corpus luteum was $4.58{\pm}0.92ng/ml$ and that of pregnant corpus luteum $8.26{\pm}0.98ng/ml$. Thus, it was more significantly increased in pregnant corpus luteum(P<0.02).. However, it was low to $0.58{\pm}0.39ng/ml$. in estrus (corpus albicans). The plasma progesterone concentration according to gestation period was high in proportion to the degree of development in corpus luteum and more significantly increased (P<0.05) and maintained in middle and last state than early state. The concentration was sharply decreased to $0.56{\pm}0.32ng/ml$ at parturition. As a consequence, we can practice the early pregnancy diagnosis by confirming non-pregnancy when the mean plasma progesterone concentration is below 1ng/ml 19 to 22 days after AI and this can be available to diagnose reproductive disorder.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.261-265
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• 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and estimate timing of artificial insemination (AI) in Hanwoo heifer (Korean native cattle) that is the most popular breed of beef cattle in Korea. To determine changes in body weight of heifers around AI, body weight were measured at different stages either before or after AI. We found that daily body weight gain was higher in the pregnant cows after AI. We also investigate correlation between body mass measured by shoulder height and body length, and conception rates, used (body length+ height)2 instead of height2 for body mass index (BMI), and found that relatively more BMI heifers (>55) showed higher conception rates. Finally, we estimated body weight by measuring should height (SH), heart girth (HG), and body length (BL); $BW=3.93372^*HG-2.90985^*SH-0.021^*BL$. In addition, we observed that HG is most closely correlated with BW; $y(BW)=1.77355^*x(HG)$, $R^2=0.98881$. In summary, we can determine the best timing of AI using body measurement and its application including BMI.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.856-865
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• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties and changes in moisture concentrations of bedding materials under the conditions of rearing Korean Hanwoo cows. Methods: Two experiments were conducted to investigate the physicochemical characteristics (Exp. I) and usefulness as beddings for rearing cattle (Exp. II) by the type of beddings such as sawdust (SD), wood shavings (WS) and sawdust+wood shavings (S+W; 1:1 in volume), and the species of pine trees from different countries of origins (China, Pinus armandii, AR; Vietnam, Pinus kesiya, KE; USA, Pinus rigida, RI). Results: In Exp. I, SD-AR showed the largest proportion (78.3%) of fine particles (250 ㎛+below 250 ㎛) and the highest bulk density (208 kg/㎥) among treatments (p<0.05). The water absorption capacity at 24 h of both S+W-RI (713%) and -KE (701%) was the highest among treatments (p<0.05) and higher than those of SD or WS alone within each species of pine tree (p<0.05). Moisture evaporation rates (%) at 12 h were ranged from 52.3 to 60.8 for SD, 69.9 to 74.4 for WS, and 72.3 to 73.5 for S+W. Total amounts (mg/㎡) of ammonia emissions were the lowest (p<0.05) in KE species among the pine species within each type of bedding material, having higher ability of ammonia absorption. In Exp II, KE species in both side A and B had lower moisture concentrations (%) than other species. Regardless of types of beddings except SD-AR, moisture concentrations of beddings within a pen were higher (p<0.01) at side A than B. Conclusion: The KE species has better physical characteristics than other beddings and more useful for rearing Hanwoo cattle than other beddings, probably caused by the differences in the method and degree of wood processing rather than the species.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.475-484
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• 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the thickness of corn flakes produced by pressurized steam chamber (PSC) on rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrient degradability in Hanwoo and Holstein cows. Corn flakes were treated by PSC, in three groups based on corn flake thickness: < 2.5 mm (T1), 2.5-3.0 mm (T2), and > 3.0 mm (T3). Corn flake thickness significantly influenced pH (p < 0.01) and propionate concentration (p < 0.05) and slightly but not significantly influenced acetate, butyrate, and total-volatile fatty acids (T-VFA) concentrations. The dry matter (DM) degradability increased significantly with a reduction in corn flake thickness (p < 0.01), being significantly greater in T1 and T2 than T3 groups (p < 0.01) and similar between T1 and T2 groups throughout whole incubation time. Also, starch degradability was the lowest in T3 groups than others (p < 0.01). Thus, the present results showed that considering the production efficiency and economic feasibility, the optimal thickness of corn flakes produced in a PSC is recommended to be 2.5-3.0 mm.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.232-239
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• 2016

Recently, research has been focusing on high quality and safer animal production by utilizing natural functional materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of natural Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) on gamma linolenic acid (GLA) levels in milk from Holstein dairy cows. Quality and quantity of milk as well as blood and fatty acids from Holstein cow fed diets supplemented with 2.7-4% calcium-salted EPO coated with palm stearin oil were analyzed. There was no significant difference in yield and composition of milk between control and EPO treatment. However, EPO treatment lowered blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST), somatic cell count (SCC), and cholesterol levels (p < 0.05) compared to untreated control. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was decreased (p < 0.05) in GLA 1 and GLA 2 group when compared with control group. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in GLA 1 and GLA 2 groups than in control group. The level of GLA in milk was increased in EPO group when compared to control. Therefore, results from the present study demonstrate that supplementary EPO has beneficial effects on cow health, showing a decrease in somatic cell count and levels of blood cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and AST. Furthermore, supplementation of EPO improves milk quality with increased amounts of GLA.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.1733-1738
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• 2017

Objective: Different dry-aging methods [traditional dry-aging (TD), simplified dry-aging (SD), and SD in an aging bag (SDB)] were compared to investigate the possible use of SD and/or SDB in practical situations. Methods: Sirloins from 48 Hanwoo cows were frozen (Control, 2 days postmortem) or dry-aged for 28 days using the different aging methods and analyzed for chemical composition, total aerobic bacterial count, shear force, inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) and free amino acid content, and sensory properties. Results: The difference in chemical composition, total aerobic bacterial count, shear force, IMP, and total free amino acid content were negligible among the 3 dry-aged groups. The SD and SDB showed statistically similar tenderness, flavor, and overall acceptability relative to TD. However, SDB had a relatively higher saleable yield. Conclusion: Both SD and SDB can successfully substitute for TD. However, SDB would be the best option for simplified dry-aging of low-marbled beef with a relatively high saleable yield.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.740-750
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• 2021

This study was performed to investigate genetic relationship of age at first calving (AFC) with body development and reproduction capacity in female Hanwoo. The data sets of 52,299 reproduction records of 19,566 heads calved from 2011 to 2019 and conformation records of 19565 heads born from 1997 to 2017 were analyzed by separating them based on age at first calving. In the analysis, conformation traits included the body condition score (BCS), height (HT), body width (BW), hip bone length (HL), hip bone width (HW), and final score (FS). The heritability and genetic correlation of AFC with conformation traits and calving interval (CI) were analyzed. The heritability for AFC was 0.716, 0.087, and 0.097 for the before and after 24 months and combined data, respectively. The genetic correlation of AFC before 24 months with BCS was -0.778, -0.600 with BW, and 0.442 with HT. The genetic correlation of AFC after 24 months with HT was -0.826, -0.706 with BW, -0.623 with HL, -0.456 with HW, and -0.675 with FS. When the first calving age of young heifers approached 24 months, BCS and BW decreased, and HT increased. When first calving is delayed to after 24 months, the conformation traits become smaller, which indicates that conformation to some extent affects the delay in AFC. The genetic correlation between CI and AFC was -0.116, 0.307, and 0.250 for the before and after 24 month of AFC and combined data, respectively. When first calving date approached 24 months, CI was reduced. The obtained results suggest that it is important that first calving occurs at an appropriate age. Additional research is needed to perform proper genetic evaluation of first calving age in Hanwoo cattle in Korea.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2006

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic variances of growth curve parameters in Hanwoo cows. The data used in this study were records from 1,083 Hanwoo cows raised at Hanwoo Experiment Station, National Livestock Research Institute(NLRI). First evaluation model(Model I) fit year-season of birth and age of dam as fixed effects and second model(Model II) added age at the final weight as a linear covariate to Model I. Heritability estimates of A, b and k from Gompertz model were 0.22, 0.11 and 0.07 using modelⅠ and 0.28, 0.11 and 0.12 using modelⅡ. Those from Von Bertalanffy model were 0.22, 0.11 and 0.07 using modelⅠ, 0.28, 0.11 and 0.12 using modelⅡ. Heritability estimates of A, b and k from Logistic model were 0.14, 0.07 and 0.05 using modelⅠ, 0.18, 0.07 and 0.12 using modelⅡ. Heritability estimates of A from Gompertz model were higher than those from Von Bertalanffy model or Logistic model in both model Ⅰand model Ⅱ. Heritability estimates of b from Logistic model were higher than those from Gompertz model or Von Bertalanffy model in both modelⅠand model Ⅱ. Heritability estimates of birth weight, weaning weight, 3 month weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight, 12 month weight, 18 month weight, 24 month weight, 36 month weight were after linear age adjustment 0.27, 0.11, 0.19, 0.14, 0.16, 0.23, 0.52 and 0.32, respectively. Heritability estimates of birth weight, weaning weight, 3 month weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 24 month weight fit by Gompertz model were larger than those estimated from linearly adjusted data. Heritability estimates of 12 month weight, 18 month weight and 36 month weight fit by Von Bertalanffy model were larger than those estimated from linearly adjusted data. In the multitrait analyses for parameters from Gompertz model, genetic and phenotypic correlations between A and k parameters were －0.47 and －0.67 using modelⅠand －0.56 and －0.63 using model Ⅱ. Those between the A and b parameters were 0.69 and 0.34 using modelⅠand 0.72 and 0.37 using model Ⅱ. Those between the b and k parameters were －0.26 and 0.01 using modelⅠand －0.30 and 0.01 using model Ⅱ. In the multitrait analyses for parameters from Von Bertalanffy model, genetic and phenotypic correlations between A and k parameters were －0.49 and －0.67 suing model Ⅰ and －0.57 and －0.70 using modelⅡ. Those between the A and b parameters were 0.61 and 0.33 using modelⅠ and 0.60 and 0.30 using model Ⅱ. Those between the b and k parameters were －0.20 and 0.02 using modelⅠ and 0.16 and 0.00 using modelⅡ. In the multitrait analyses for parameters from Logistic model, genetic and phenotypic correlations between A and k parameters were －0.43 and －0.67 using model Ⅰ and －0.50 and －0.63 using modelⅡ. Those between the A and b parameters were 0.47 and 0.22 using modelⅠ and 0.38 and 0.24 using modelⅡ. Those between the b and k parameters were －0.09 and 0.02 using model Ⅰ and －0.02 and 0.13 using model Ⅱ.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.801-818
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• 2007

This study was carried out to determine the effects of processing methods of barley as a proper source of grain in diets of Hanwoo on fermentation pattern in the rumen fluid and digestibility of the diets, the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo. The degree of ruminal pH change in the cows fed diets of the Corn(corn basis) and GDRB(ground and dry-rolled barley) tended to be greater than those in the cows fed other two diets (ground barley, GB and dry-rolled barley, DRB). The diet of GDRB showed the lowest ruminal pH(5.5), indicating the rapid degradation of the diet in the rumen. Although ammonia concentration was not affected by diet, the GR and DBR diets maintained the low concentrations of ruminal ammonia compared with other two treatments. And the effects of feeding processed barley grain on body weight gain and meat quality of Hanwoo steers were as follows. Steers fed DRB diet had the highest body weight, 683.0kg at 28 months old, while those fed the GDRB showed the lowest body weight, 653.3kg. The average daily gain(ADG) was similar between the steers fed Corn and GR throughout the whole period, but the GDRB showed the lowest ADG. The steers fed the DRB showed the significant increase in ADG(0.89kg/d from 19 to 23 months old and 0.43kg/d from 24 to 28 months old) compared with those fed other diets. Feeding diets containing corn and/or barley did not influence live body weight, cold carcass weight, carcass yield, back-fat thickness and carcass grade of Hanwoo steers.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.177-182
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• 2006

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of melengesterol acetate (MGA) and $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ administrations on serum progesterone level, synchrony of estrus and conception rates in Han-woo. Firstly, ten heifers and one freematin were fed 0.5 mg MGA/day for 14 days in a grain carrier, and after 19 days of MGA feeding, a single injection of 25 mg $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ were treated. Blood samples were collected to evaluate serum progesterone concentrations from the start of feeding of MGA until the end of feeding and subsequent estrous detection and artificial insemination (AI) at 3 days intervals, and on days of $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ injection, estrous detection, AI, and 15th and 60th days after AI. The level of progesterone in the blood began to increase from 7 days after MGA feeding, and 9 days after feeding it became 5.4 ng/ml and maintained that level thereafter. On the 33th day when the $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ was injected, it reached the peak level of 7.6 ng/ml. However, 2-3 days after $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ injection, it dropped to 1.4 ng/ml drastically (p<0.05). Secondly, one hundred and ninety four Hanwoo heifers or cows were divided into two groups to compare estrous induction and conception rates: the one treated with MGA and $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$, (n=104) and the other with $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ treatment (two injections at 11 days interval, n=90). The heifers or cows treated with MGA and $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ were identical to those used as above. The percentages of heifers or cows showed estrus were higher in the $MGA+PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ treatment (91.3%) than in the $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ treatment (72.2%, p<0.05). Conception rates were also higher in the $MGA+PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ treatment (94.2%) than in the $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ treatment (88.9%, p<0.05). The results of this experiment indicate that estrus synchronization using $MGA+PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ is more effective than that using $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ (two injections) in Hanwoo.