• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.709-718
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• 2016

This review addresses the characteristics and health benefit of highly marbled Wagyu and Hanwoo beef. Marbling of Wagyu and Hanwoo beef has been increased in Japan and Korea to meet domestic consumer preferences. Wagyu and Hanwoo cattle have high potential of accumulating intramuscular fat (IMF) and producing highly marbled beef. The IMF content varies depending on the feeding of time, finishing diet, and breed type. IMF increases when feeding time is increased. The rate of IMF increase in grain-fed cattle is faster than that in pasture-fed cattle. Fatty acid composition are also different depending on breeds. Highly marbled Wagyu and Hanwoo beef have higher proportions of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) due to higher concentrations of oleic acid. MUFAs have little effect on total cholesterol. They are heart-healthy dietary fat because they can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Clinical trials have indicated that highly marbled beef does not increase LDL-cholesterol. This review also emphasizes that high oleic acid beef such as Wagyu and Hanwoo beef might be able to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1529-1535
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• 2006

Leptin has been investigated as a candidate gene for fat characteristics in beef cattle. Previously, we have reported 57 sequence variants discovered in Korean cattle (Bos Taurus coreanae). In this study, we examined the association between polymorphisms of leptin and carcass traits (cold carcass weight (CWT) and marbling score (Marb)) in Korean cattle. Among 57 polymorphisms, 11 common polymorphic sites were genotyped in our beef cattle (n = 437). Statistical analysis revealed that one single nucleotide polymorphism in coding exon (c.+411T>C (A137A)) showed a significant association with the yield trait, CWT. The C-bearing genotypes (CC or CT) of c.+411T>C (A137A) showed the higher CWT (p = 0.006). c.+150C>G (S50S) also showed a significant association with the quality trait, Marb (p = 0.01). Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in leptin might be one of the important genetic factors that influence carcass yield and quality in beef cattle, especially in CWT and Marb.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.401-414
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• 2020

The emergence and persistence of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in livestock animals have been reported as a potential risk factor for transmission to humans. In this study, we investigated the nationwide prevalence and characteristics of MRSA and MSSA in the Korean beef production system, including retail markets, slaughterhouses, and cattle farms. From a total of 1,285 samples, only 5 MRSA strains were isolated: from a farmer (1 ST72 MRSA), a carcass sample from a slaughterhouse (1 ST72 MRSA), and beef cattle (3 ST5 MRSA). In addition, 11 MSSA strains were isolated from beef cattle (n=3), humans (1 farmer, 1 slaughterhouse worker, and 4 retail market workers), and carcass samples (n=1) and slaughterhouse environment (n=1). Although the prevalence of MRSA and MSSA in beef cattle was much lower than that reported in pigs, 5/5 MRSA and 2/11 MSSA strains displayed multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotypes. Unlike the swine-associated MRSA, no correlation was found between tetracycline/zinc resistance and MDR phenotype. However, MRSA strains had an identical set of staphylococcal enterotoxins and exhibited enhanced levels of resistance to antimicrobial peptides (PMAP-36 and LL-37) compared to the MSSA strains. In conclusion, continued and systemic surveillance of livestock, meat products, and humans in close contact with livestock/meat products is necessary to prevent the transmission of MRSA and MSSA to humans.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.211-228
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• 2023

The Korea-US FTA was one of the most controversial FTAs Korea has ever signed and was expected to have a significant effect on the agriculture sector, especially the livestock industry. This study ex-post analyzed the impact of the Korea-US FTA on the Korean beef industry including the Jeonnam province using a dynamic partial equilibrium model. According to the scenario analysis results, if there was no Korea-US FTA, the beef imports would be reduced to as low as 0.24% to 4.19% compared to the Baseline applying existing Korea-US FTA beef tariff rates over the 2012 to 2022 periods. In addition, if there was no Korea-US FTA, the agricultural product value of Jeonnam and national Korean beef cattle would increase from 0.25% to 7.37% and 0.25% to 7.33%, respectively, compared to the Baseline. The results of the analysis are expected to be used as important information for policy establishment in preparation for CPTPP and supplementation of current FTA policies regarding Korean beef cattle not only for the central government but also Jeonnam province.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.309-313
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• 2008

The insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) has been investigated as a candidate gene for growth promoting effects in beef cattle and a modulator of IGF bioactivity. Previously, we have reported twenty two sequence variants discovered in Korean native cattle (Hanwoo). In this study, we examined the association between gene-specific polymorphisms of IGFBP3 and cold carcass weight (CW) and marbling score (MS) among Korean native cattle. Among twenty two polymorphisms, four common polymorphic sites (-854G>C, -100G>A, +421G>T and +3863C>A) were genotyped in our beef cattle (n = 437). Statistical analysis revealed that one common polymorphism in the promoter region (-854G>C) showed putative associations with MS (p = 0.03). IGFBP3 variation/haplotype information analyzed in this study will provide valuable information into strategies for the production of a commercial line of beef cattle.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.918-922
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• 2010

Due to the large amount of beef imported from the USA to Korea, Korean consumers have become increasingly interested in the country of origin since it can affect market prices. Previously, Bos indicus and Bos taurus-specific markers were developed for the purpose of cattle breed identification, specifically discrimination of Australian beef. In this study, six SNP markers derived from Illumina 50K bovine SNP chip data were used for the discrimination between Korean cattle (Hanwoo) and imported beef from USA. PCR-RFLP genotyping methods were also developed, which indicates that these markers can be applied relatively easily compared to other markers. Taking into account a discrimination rate of 55% based on MC1R marker between Hanwoo and imported beef from USA, two additional markers, SNPs 23803 and 34776, were ideal and resulted in probability of identification of 0.942 and probability of misjudgment of 0.03. Therefore, the markers developed in this study can greatly contribute to the correct discrimination between beef from USA and Hanwoo beef.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.293-305
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• 2020

The difference in the breeding programs and population history may have diversely shaped the genomes of Korean native cattle breeds. In the absence of phenotypic data, comparisons of breeds that have been subjected to different selective pressures can aid to identify genomic regions and genes controlling qualitative and complex traits. In this study to decipher genetic variation and identify evidence of divergent selection, 3 Korean cattle breeds were genotyped using the recently developed high-density GeneSeek Genomic Profiler F250 (GGP-F250) array. The three Korean cattle breeds clustered according to their coat color phenotypes and breeding programs. The Heugu breed reliably showed smaller effective population size at all generations considered. Across the autosomal chromosomes, 113 and 83 annotated genes were identified from Hanwoo-Chikso and Hanwoo-Heugu comparisons, respectively of which 16 genes were shared between the two pairwise comparisons. The most important signals of selection were detected on bovine chromosomes 14 (24.39-25.13 Mb) and 18 (13.34-15.07 Mb), containing genes related to body size, and coat color (XKR4, LYN, PLAG1, SDR16C5, TMEM68, CDH15, MC1R, and GALNS). Some of the candidate genes are also associated with meat quality traits (ACSF3, EIF2B1, BANP, APCDD1, and GALM) and harbor quantitative trait locus (QTL) for beef production traits. Further functional analysis revealed that the candidate genes (DBI, ACSF3, HINT2, GBA2, AGPAT5, SCAP, ELP6, APOB, and RBL1) were involved in gene ontology (GO) terms relevant to meat quality including fatty acid oxidation, biosynthesis, and lipid storage. Candidate genes previously known to affect beef production and quality traits could be used in the beef cattle selection strategies.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.5
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• pp.1064-1075
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• 2021

Recently, a high level of dietary crude protein (CP) has become of interest as a possible practice to improve the carcass quality of beef cattle, and its level has been increasing in the field. However, there is little scientific evidence that supports this. This study was conducted to test whether a high dietary CP level would improve growth performance, body metabolism, and carcass traits in Hanwoo beef cattle. A total of 32 Hanwoo finishing beef cattle (18 multiparous cows, six heifers, and eight steers) participated in a 12-weeks feeding trial. Two kinds of total mixed rations were prepared to contain two different CP; 156 g/kg for the control (CON) and 173 g/kg of CP for the treatment (HCP), while maintaining a similar level of metabolizable energy. The experiment was ended when more than half of the steers reached the target body weight (730 kg). Blood was collected at the end of the experiment. After harvesting, the carcass trait was evaluated at the slaughterhouse according to Korean standards. The carcass yield score and grade were also calculated based on revised criteria. Overall, dry matter intake, average daily gain, blood metabolites concentration, and the carcass traits, except for backfat thickness and the yield score, did not differ between the treatments. The HCP had lower backfat thickness than those of CON. There was no difference in the carcass yield grade, but the yield score was higher in the HCP treatment. According to the newly revised carcass grading criteria, both yield score and grade were higher in HCP than in CON. Increasing CP supply decreased the carcass's backfat thickness without altering growth performance and body metabolism, resulting in improved yield score and grade. Therefore, feeding a high CP diet may be beneficial in the farm income, although it may also increase feed cost and nitrogen excretion to the environment.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2013

To know the emission amount of greenhouse gases from bedding materials of cowshed floor, the emission rates of methane ($CH_4$) and nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) gases from a simulated cowshed floor (SCF) with sawdust that manure loading rate into the bedding material could be accurately controlled were assessed in this study. The manure loading rates of Korean beef and Holstein dairy cattle into the SCF of $0.258m^2$ surface area with 10 to 15 cm height sawdust were $1.586kg/m^2/d$ and $3.588kg/m^2/d$, respectively, and those were calculated on the basis of "Standard model for sustainable livestock" and "Data for excretion amount of manure from livestock". All experiments were done in triplicates in three different seasons (May to July, Sep. to Nov., and Feb. to Apr.) using 12 SCFs. The effects of bedding material thickness on $CH_4$ and $N_2O$ emission from SCFs for both Korean beef cattle and Holstein dairy cattle were not statistically significant (p<0.05). Emission amount of $CH_4$ and $N_2O$ per square meter of SCF for Holstein dairy cattle was 7.5 and 1.2 times higher than that of Korean beef cattle, respectively. The yearly $CH_4$ amount per head was 17.7 times higher in Holstein dairy cattle, obtaining 130.4 g/head/year from SCF for Holstein dairy cattle and 7.4 g/head/year from SCF for Korean beef cattle, and $N_2O$ was also 3.8 times higher in Holstein dairy cattle (3,267 g/head/year in Korean beef cattle and 14,719 g/head/year in Holstein dairy cattle). However, the $N_2O$-N per loaded nitrogen into SCF was higher in Korean beef cattle, having 0.2148 and 0.1632 kg $N_2O$-N/kg N in Korean beef cattle and Holstein dairy cattle, respectively, and those values were 3.07 and 2.33 times higher than that of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 guideline (GL) (0.07 kg $N_2O$-N/kg N).

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.105-109
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• 1993

This study was carried out to propagate Korean native cattle using beef recipients by embryo transfer. Seven Korean native cattle donors were superovulated with FSH 32mg and Embryos collected from donors were frozen and preserved in National Animal Breeding Institute. Frozen-thawed embryos were transferred to synchronized 40 beef recipients nonsurgically in Daekwanryeong Branch of National Animal Breeding Institute. The results obtained were as follows : 1. Total ova and transferable embryos per donor were 11.4 and 11.1 from 7 donors, respectively. 2. Among 40 recipients transferred with frozen-thawed embryos, 20 were pregnant(50.0%). 3. The pregnancy rate according to time from embryo thawing to transfer was higher when transferred within 3 hours than after 3 hours(57.6% vs. 14.3%). 4. The cow recipients showed slightly higher pregnancy rate than the heifer(53.3% vs. 48.0%). 5. Two grade embryos showed higher pregnancy rate than 1 grade(66.7% vs. 45.2%).