• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.1232-1236
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• 2002

Direct and service sire genetic parameters for total number of pigs born (TNB), number of pigs born alive (NBA), total pig weight at birth (TWB), and average pig birth weight (ABW) were estimated by DF-REML under a multiple trait animal model. Data on 3,078 litters of the Yorkshire from Jan, 1975 to Dec, 1998 at National Livestock Research Institute were obtained. The animal model included fixed contemporary group effects and random additive direct, service sire, and residual effects. Additive genetic relationships among animals were included. A separate relationship matrix for service sires and their sire was also included. Additive direct heritability estimates for TNB, NBA, TWB, and ABW were 0.19, 0.18, 0.25 and 0.39, respectively. Service sire heritability estimates for TNB, NBA, TWB, and ABW were 0.02, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.01, respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlations of TNB with NBA estimated in this study were 0.81 and 0.81, respectively, and the genetic and phenotypic correlations of TNB with TWB estimated were 0.82 and 0.76, respectively. Results indicate that service sires account for 1 to 2% of the total variation for TNB, NBA, TWB, and ABW. Further investigation is needed to determine whether the service sire effect is primarily genetic or environmental.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.1323-1331
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• 2020

Objective: Three types of dietary fiber were fed to sows during gestation and lactation stages to monitor their physiological and metabolic adaptations during the pre-partum period and to determine how these effects may influence the lactation period and sow performance. Methods: Soon after breeding, 54 sows were selected and were fed with 20% supplementation as fed of wheat bran (WB), soya hulls (SH), or rice hulls (RH) in diets during gestation and lactation. Sows were weighed, backfat thickness was measured ultrasonically and jugular blood samples were collected from all sows. The litter size was equalized to 10, by fostering piglets from sows on the same treatment. Results: Sows gained 22.0, 21.8, and 25.5 kg of net maternal body weight during gestation (for WB, SH, and RH sows, respectively; p = 0.007). There was no treatment effect on the body weight change during lactation (p = 0.158), however RH sows consumed an average of 133.66 kg of feed, WB sows took 121.29 kg and SH sows took 126.77 kg during lactation (p<0.001). The SH litters gained an average of 59.34 kg of weight during lactation, while other litters gained 51.58 and 49.98 kg (for WB and RH litters, respectively; p<0.001). Exception for aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, measured serum biochemical values were broadly in agreement with earlier reports. Despite the use of additional vegetable oil to balance the energy level, RH sows still had lower concentrations of serum triglycerides in late gestation. Conclusion: Different types of fibrous ingredients in the gestation diet influenced most of the investigated reference values for sows. The values of serum biochemical parameters were generally not affected by fiber type during the lactation stage. The SH supplementation for sows is an effective approach to give heavier litters at birth and weaning and to increase voluntary feed intake in early lactation.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.531-541
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• 2014

This research investigated the reproduction cycle, litter size, and the effects of factors of red-tongue viper snake inhabiting in Jeju Island, to delve into their life strategy. Field survey was conducted in Jeju Island from May 2006 to November 2008. Reproduction cycle was analyzed through measurements of testis and follicle sizes in laboratory from March 2009 to December 2010. According to the research results, the sizes of red-tongue viper snake's testis and follicle clearly changed seasonally. The number of eggs within the oviduct were greater on the right side ($2.6{\pm}1.0$ eggs, n=16) than on the left side ($1.8{\pm}0.5$ eggs, n=16) (t=-2,721, p<0.05). Average (${\pm}SD$) of survival litter size (SLS) was $4.4{\pm}1.7$ (1~9, range), while total litter size (TLS) was $4.7{\pm}1.5$ (3~9, range), which were not statistically significant. However, their litter sizes were similar to the number of eggs within the oviduct (t=0.039, P>0.05). Relative litter mass (RCM) was $0.42{\pm}0.13$ (0.18~0.79, n=33), and tended to increase, as maternal condition of pre-parturition (MCPPI) was getting better. The sexual ratio of delivered litters showed no significant difference between male and female red-tongue viper snakes (♂:♀ = 1.15:1, n=73 ; ${\chi}^2$=0.342, P>0.5). Average neonate mass showed a weak correlation with maternal mass of pre-parturition (MMPP1) (r=0.387, P<0.05, n=33). Average neonate Snout-vent length (SVL) also demonstrated a weak correlations with maternal SVL (r=0.399, P<0.05, n=33) and MMPP1 (r=0.344, P<0.05, n=33). Average neonate mass and maternal SVL approached significant probability (r=0.323, P=0.067, n=33). This indicates that mother snakes can bear bigger litter due to its larger size. In some cases, litter's weight decreases as mother snakes are bearing more litter; however, the red-tongued viper snake did not show such exchange relationship. From this, it can be conjectured that a red-tongued viper snake has peculiarity of its own species. The research results are predicted to be used as the basis to find a life history of red-tongued viper snake.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.146-151
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• 2001

This study was carried out to find if the X-irradiation being used for clinical diagnosis during pregnancy would affect fetal development and cause fetal malformation in rats or not. To determine the dose and irradiation frequency of X-irradiation and gestation period by which fetal development would be affected when irradiated during pregnancy, seventy-two Sprague Dawley female rats (8 weeks old) were used for the experiment and grouped into three according to different gestation period of 5-8 days, and 6-12 days of gestation. Experimental rats were irradiated on the daily irradiation conditions of 40, 60, 80 kvp(kilo volt peak), 150 mA(milliampere), 0.25 sec and 4 times/day for both 5-8 days and 10-13 days of gestation, and 100 kvp, 100 mA, 2 min. and 4 times/day for 6-12 days of gestation. Rats were put in a small dark box when irradiated, which animals were sacrificed on the 20th day of gestation and mean litter size, fetal body weight, fetal crown-rump length(CRL) were investigated along with pathological findings. 1. Litter size were significantly decreased in the rats which were irradiated by both 60 and 80 kvp during 5 to 8 days of gestation and by 100 kvp during 6-12 days of gestation compared to those from the control rats(p<0.05) 2. Fetal body weight was significantly decreased in the fetus from the rats which were irradiated by both 60-80 kvp during 5-8 days of gestation and by 100 kvp during 6-12 days of gestation compared to those from the control rats(p<0.05). 3. There was no significant difference of fetal crown-rump length between all the experimental rats and the controls. 4. Fetal absorption, fetal death, and fetal malformation were not observed in the fetus form the rats irradiated by 40-80 kvp during 5-8 and 10-13 days of gestation, however, the pathological findings were found in those from the rats irradiated by 100 kvp during 6-12 days of gestation. 5. The harmful effect of x-irradiation on fetal development was estimated to occur when irradiated during 5-8 days of gestation. These results indicated that even X-irradiation for clinical diagnosis could affect fetal development in the early embryonic stage and when the fetus were exposed to frequent and prolonged x-irradiation with over dose.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.32-40
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• 2009

To understand contribution of thermophilic microorganisms in decomposition of litter deposits on shore of lakes, we surveyed a lakeshore litter deposit for bacteria growing at $60^{\circ}C$. Ten thermophilic isolates were selected for in-depth characterization, based on their high capacity to degrade high molecular weight organic compounds. Based on phylogenetic analysis on their 16S rRNA gene sequences, all isolates were identified as Geobacillus. The optimal growth temperature and pH of the strains ranged $55{\sim}60^{\circ}C$ and 6.0${\sim}$8.0, respectively. Salinity was inhibitory to the growth of the isolates, showing marked decrease of growth rates at 3% salinity. Based on activities of hydrolytic enzymes and profiles of carbohydrate utilization (determined by API 50 CHB kit), three G. stearothermophilus strains showed patterns clearly distinctive from other isolates. Two G. kaustophilus strains also demonstrated distinctiveness in their metabolic pattern and ecological parameters. However, ecological and metabolic profiles of the other five isolates were more variable and showed some degree of digression from their phylogenetic classification. Therefore, it could be concluded that endospore-forming thermophilic bacteria in lakeshore litter deposits contribute to degradation of organic materials with diverse ecological niches while having successions similar to microbial flora in compost. We propose that the thermophilic isolates and/or their thermo-tolerant enzymes can be applied to industrial processes as appropriate mixtures.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.797-804
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• 2003

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding a mixture of broiler litter and bakery by-product on production, economy and meat characteristics of growing ‘Hanwoo’ steers. A control diet (conventional formulated feed and rice straw) and a treatment diet(90% mixture of broiler litter 64% and bakery by-product 36% and 10% rice straw on DM basis) were prepared on an isoenergetic basis and fed to 20 steers for 12 weeks. Palatability of TMR by ‘Hanwoo’ was fair. Compared with feeding a control diet, feeding a treatment diet resulted in increased(P〈0.05) DM intake, similar OM intake, similar daily weight gain(0.75 vs 0.64 kg/d) and feed efficiency of DM(10.1 vs 12.5) and OM(9.0 vs 10.6), considerably(45%) reduced(P〈0.05) feed cost/gain, and similar meat characteristics. These results show that a mixed ration manufactured with broiler litter and bakery by-product may be potentially used for growing ‘Hanwoo’ steers.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.287-297
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• 2003

The aim of this review is to give insight into the reproduction potential of the Korean native goat(KNG) doe. The mean age of the first estrus in the KNG doe is 141.24$\pm$18.l7 days. The length of the estrous cycle was recorded as being 20.58$\pm$2.63 days, with the mean duration of estrous period being 17.8$\pm$7.3 to 32.9$\pm$1.2 h, and the duration of the post-partum anestrous period being 13.4(9 to 18) to 30.1$\pm$3.8 days in the KNG doe. The ages at first delivery are 10 to 12 months(56.3％) in the KNG doe. The KNG does are no restricted breeding season, because estrus and kiddings are observed throughout the year. The mean gestation period of the KNG doe is recorded as being 150.69$\pm$6.14 days with parities having no significant effect on gestation length. The mean interval between parturitions in the KNG doe is 207.78$\pm$1.72 days with parities and birth type having no significant effect on kidding intervals. The mean litter sizes at birth in the KNG doe are 1.69$\pm$0.03 heads, and litter size at birth was affected (P<0.05) by parity. The mean birth weight of kid in the KNG is 2.04$\pm$0.30 kg with a variety as being 2.28$\pm$0.26, 2.11$\pm$ 0.30 and 1.64$\pm$0.19 kg for singles, twins and triplets over of birth type, respectively. The mean mortality of 635 kids in the KNG is 23$\pm$1 ％ with a variety as being 28$\pm$3, 21$\pm$2, 16$\pm$3 and 46$\pm$15 ％ for singles, twins, triplets and quadruplets of birth type, respectively.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.87-97
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• 2019

Phytate induced excessive mineral excretion through poultry litter leads to poor performance and environmental pollution. Exogenous microbial phytase supplementation to poultry diets reduce the environmental excretion of nutrient and improve bird's performance. However, excessive dietary sodium (Na) level may hinder the phytase-mediated phytate hydrolysis and negate the beneficial effects of phytase. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentration dietary Na on phytase activity and subsequent impact on broiler performance, bone mineralisation and nutrient utilisation. In this study, six experimental diets, consisting of three different levels of Na (1.5, 2.5, or 3.5 g/kg) and two levels of microbial phytase (0 or 500 U/kg) were formulated by using $3{\times}2$ factorial design. The six experimental diets were offered to 360 day-old Ross 306 male chicks for 35 days, where, each experimental diet consisted of 6 replicates groups with 10 birds. Along with growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal enzyme activity, dry matter (DM) content of litter and mineral status in bone were analysed. Dietary Na and phytase had no effect on bode weight gain and feed intake. Birds on the low Na diet showed higher (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the mid-Na diets. High dietary Na adversely affected (p < 0.001) excreta DM content. Phytase supplementation to the high-Na diet increased (p < 0.01) the litter ammonia content. High dietary Na with phytase supplementation improved ($Na{\times}phytase$, p < 0.05) the AME value and ileal digestibility of Ca and Mg. The total tract retention of Ca, P, and Mg was reduced with high Na diet, which was counteracted by phytase supplementation ($Na{\times}phytase$, p < 0.001). The diets containing mid-level of Na improved (p < 0.001) the function of Na-K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase in the jejunum. The overall results indicate that high dietary Na did not affect phytase activity but influenced the nutrient utilization of birds, which was not reflected in bird overall performance.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.1628-1634
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• 2022

Objective: This study focused on the effect of dietary metallo-protease and Bacillus velezensis CE 100 on growth performance, carcass parameters, intestinal microflora, footpad dermatitis (FPD), and manure odor in broiler chickens. Methods: One hundred-ten (two-day-old Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five groups with two replicate pens. The dietary treatments were divided to control, metallo-protease groups (A1, added with 0.1%; A2, added with 0.2%) and B. velezensis CE 100 groups (B1, added with 0.5%; B2, added with 1.0%). Results: The feed intake was decreased in A1 and B2 compared to the other group (p<0.05). The liver weight was lower in B2 than in A2 (p<0.05). The Salmonella in the cecum was decreased in A2 compared to control and A1 (p<0.05). However, the lactic acid bacteria were increased in all treatments (p<0.05). The litter moisture content was decreased in A2, B1, and B2 (p<0.05). The litter quality visual score was increased in all treatments (p<0.05). The FPD score and prevalence were reduced in all treatments (p<0.05). The (CH₃)₂S emission was decreased in all treatments (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study indicated that both additives improve litter quality and reduce the incidence of FPD. These findings suggest that dietary metallo-protease and B. velezensis CE 100 have the potential to improve the broiler chickens' welfare.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.455-463
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• 2022

To understand functional changes of forest ecosystems due to climate change, correlation between decomposition rate of leaf litter, an important function of forest ecosystems, and microclimatic factors was analyzed. After 48 months elapsed, percent remaining weight of Quercus mongolica leaf litter was 27.1% in the east aspect and 37.0% in the west aspects. Decay constant of Q. mongolica leaf litter was 0.33 in the east aspect and 0.25 in the west aspect after 48 months elapsed. Initial C/N ratio of Q. mongolica leaf litter was 38.5. After 48 months elapsed, C/N ratio of decomposing Q. mongolica leaf litter decreased to 13.43 in the east aspect and 16.72 in the west aspect. Average air temperature and soil temperature during the investigation period of the research site were 8.2±9.0 and 9.1±9.3 in the east and 8.5±7.4 and 9.3±7.3℃ in the west aspect, respectively, with the west aspect showing higher air and soil temperatures. Soil moisture showed no significant difference between east and west aspects (average soil moisture: 19.4±11.0% vs. 20.5±5.7%). However, as a result of analyzing the correlation between decomposition rate and microclimatic factors, it was found that the decomposition rate and soil moisture has a positive correlation(r=0.426) in the east aspect but not in the west aspect. Our study shows that the correlation between decomposition rate and microclimatic factors can be significantly different depending on the direction of the aspect.