• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1629-1640
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• 2015

This study was performed to compare carcass traits, sensory characteristics, physiochemical composition, and contents of nucleotides, collagen, and free amino acids among quality grades (QG) and to understand the association between QG and above parameters in loin and rump of Korean cattle steer. Loin and rump samples were obtained from 48 Korean cattle steers with each of four QG (QG 1++, 1+, 1, and 2; average 32 months of age). Carcass weight and marbling score (MS) were highest in QG 1++, whereas texture score measured by a meat grader was highest in QG 2. A correlation analysis revealed that MS (r = 0.98; p<0.01) and fat content (r = 0.73; p<0.01) had strong positive correlations with QG and that texture had a strong negative correlation (r = -0.78) with QG. Fat content in loin was highest but protein and moisture contents were lowest in QG 1++. Our results confirmed that a major determinant of QG is the MS; thus, intramuscular fat content. The International Commission on Illumination $L^*$, $a^*$, and $b^*$ values in loin were highest in QG 1++. Numeric values of shear force in loin were lowest in QG 1++, whereas those of tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability tended to be highest in QG 1++ without statistical significance. QG was strongly correlated with juiciness (r = 0.81; p<0.01) and overall acceptability (r = 0.87; p<0.001). All sensory characteristics were higher (p<0.05) in loin than those in rump. Adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) and inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP) contents in both loin and rump did not differ among QGs. No nucleotide (AMP, IMP, inosine, hypoxanthine) was correlated with any of the sensory traits. Total, soluble, and insoluble collagen contents in loin were higher in QG 1++ than those in QG 1. All three collagens had lower content in loin than that in rump. All three collagens were positively correlated with tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability. Glutamic acid content did not significantly differ among the four QGs in either loin or rump. In conclusion, it is confirmed that QG is associated with sensory traits but nucleotide contents in beef may not be a major factor determining meat palatability in the present study.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.1084-1089
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• 2015

Chemerin, highly expressed in adipose and liver tissues, regulates glucose and lipid metabolism and immunity in these tissues in ruminants and mice. Our previous reports showed that chemerin is involved in adipogenesis and lipid metabolism in adipose tissue as an adipokine. The aim of the present study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region of the chemerin gene and to analyze their effects on carcass traits and intramuscular fatty acid compositions in Japanese Black cattle. The SNPs in the bovine chemerin gene were detected in 232 Japanese Black steers (n = 161) and heifers (n = 71) using DNA sequencing. The results revealed five novel silent mutations: NM_001046020: c.12A>G (4aa), c.165GT (92aa), c.321 A>G (107aa), and c.396C>T (132aa). There was no association between 4 of the SNPs (c.12A>G [4aa], c.165GG [107aa], and c.396C>T) and carcass traits or intramuscular fatty acid compositions. Regarding the remaining SNP, c.276C>T, we found that cattle with genotype CC had a higher beef marbling score than that of cattle with genotype CT, whereas cattle with genotype CT had a higher body condition score (p<0.10). Further, cattle with genotype CC had significantly higher C18:0 content in their intramuscular fat tissue than that of cattle with genotype CT (p<0.05). On the other hand, cattle with genotype CT had significantly higher C14:0 and C16:0 content in their intramuscular fat tissue (p<0.05). Moreover, the number of individuals carrying the minor allele of c.276C>T SNP is small. It is suggested that the c.276C>T SNP of the chemerin gene has potential in cattle breeding using modern methods, such as marker assisted selection. So, further functional and physiological research elucidating the impact of the chemerin gene on bovine lipid metabolism including fatty acid synthesis will help in understanding these results.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.1544-1550
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• 2008

The retinoids (vitamin A and its derivatives) play a critical role in vision, growth, reproduction, cell differentiation and embryonic development. Using the IMpRH panel, porcine cellular retinol binding protein genes 5 and 7 (RBP5 and RBP7) were assigned to porcine chromosomes 5 and 6, respectively. The complete coding sequences (CDS) of the RBP5 and RBP7 genes were amplified using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, and the deduced amino acid sequences of both genes were compared to human corresponding proteins. The mRNA distributions of the two genes in adult Wuzhishan pig tissues (lung, skeletal muscle, spleen, heart, stomach, large intestine, lymph node, small intestine, liver, brain, kidney and fat) were examined. A total of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in two genes. Three of these SNPs were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in Laiwu, Wuzhishan, Guizhou, Bama, Tongcheng, Yorkshire and Landrace pig breeds. Association analysis of genotypes of these SNP loci with economic traits was done in our experimental populations. Significant associations of different genotypes of $RBP5-A/G^{63}$, $RBP5-A/G^{517}$ and $RPB5-T/C^{intron1-90}$ loci with traits including maximum carcass length (LM), minimum carcass length (LN), marbling score (MS), back fat thickness at shoulder (SBF), meat color score (MCS) and hematocrit (HCT) were detected. These SNPs may be useful as genetic markers in genetic improvement for porcine production.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.79-88
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• 2011

A total of one hundred twenty pigs were used to investigate effects of silage feeding on pork quality among three breeds (Gagoshima Berkshire, American Berkshire, $LY{\times}\;D$). Pigs weighing about 70 kg of body weight were randomly alloted into three breeds [B (Gagoshima Berkshire), D $(LY{\times}\;D)$, A (American Berkshire) by two dietary treatment [C (commercial diet feed) and T (commercial diet with 80% silage)]. All pigs were fed 67 days of period and then slaughtered to examine meat characteristics. A chemical compositions and physico-chemical characteristics were measured in pork loin. The crude protein content was higher in pig fed diets containing silage than that of the control group. $L^*$ of meat color, appearance, meat color, marbling score and overall acceptability in sensory score of fresh meat were higher in the pigs fed silage (T) than those fed commercial diet (C). In fatty acid compositions of loin, stearic acid and oleic acid were lower in T than C, whereas arachidonic acid, EFA (essential fatty acid) and EFA/UFA (unsaturated fatty acid) were higher in T.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.109-114
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of environments (farms born, testing groups, age at the tests, date at slaughter, ages at slaughter) on body weights at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of ages, body type measurements at 18 months of age and carcass characteristics in Hanwoo steer populations that were collected from commercial farms and reared in a progeny testing station. Performances of a total of 1,838 steer calves set for tests from 2004 to 2008 were recorded. Carcass characteristics were the carcass grading results evaluated and data collected slaughter scores at 24 months of age. For growth traits of all age classes and body type traits measured at 18 months of age, farms born, test group and linear covariate of age at test were fit in the models. For carcass traits, date at slaughter and linear covariate of ages at slaughter were fit in the models. Effect of farm at birth was not significant for body weight at 24 months of age. Carcass weight, eye muscle area, yield score and back fat thickness were affected by dates at slaughter but not by the ages at slaughter. Marbling score, however, was affected by these two effects. Farms at birth did not seem to affect body type measures greatly. This study will be utilized for Hanwoo Steers genetic evaluation.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.353-364
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• 2022

The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of increasing the slaughter weight (SW) of non-lean finishing pigs to improve their meat quality. A total of 36 (Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc gilts and barrows were slaughtered at 115 (Av), 125 (Hi), or 135 (XHi) kg, followed by physicochemical analyses and sensory evaluation on their longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles. Backfat thickness was greater (p < 0.05) for the XHi (31.2 mm) and Hi (29.3 mm) groups than for Av (25.0 mm). Dressing percentage and yield of the belly per whole carcass were also slightly greater for XHi and Hi vs. Av. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content of SM was greater for XHi (2.64%) than for Av (1.83%) and Hi (2.04%) and also was correlated with SW (r = 0.55). The pH value, lightness, redness, drip loss, shear force, and moisture and protein contents of LD and SM, as well as IMF content of LD, were unaffected by SW. Percentages of 14:0, 16:0, and total saturated fatty acids (FA) were less for Hi and XHi vs. Av in SM, those of total unsaturated FA, 18:2, 20:4, and n-6 being opposite; FA composition of LM was not influenced by SW except for a reduced 18:0 percentage for XHi vs. Av. The sensory score was less for XHi vs. Av for odor in fresh LD and SM, and less for Hi and XHi vs. Av for aroma in fresh LM; scores for color, drip loss, marbling, and acceptability were unaffected by SW. As for cooked muscles, none of the scores for color, aroma, flavor, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability was affected by SW, except for a greater LD color score for Hi and XHi vs. Av. Collectively, the results suggested that the increased yield of the carcass and belly due to increased SW is outbalanced negatively by excessive backfat deposition in production efficiency, whereas the SW increase exerts little influence on overall sensory quality of fresh or cooked meat. Production of non-lean market pigs overweighing 115 kg therefore will be uneconomical unless consumers pay a substantial premium for the over-fattened pork.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.203-210
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• 2013

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the decreased carcass grade due to overweight on meat quality traits of the loin and belly. Out of 500 carcasses from 85- to 150-kg market pigs, seven average-size $1^+A$ carcasses, seven 1A and twelve 1B carcasses almost weighing the upper limits allowed for the A (95 kg) and B (99 kg) grades, respectively, and 12 1B carcasses weighing 100 kg or greater were selected for the present study. Marbling score was greater in the $1^+A$ grade than in any other grade, whereas color and textural properties of the muscle and fat of the carcass did not differ among the four carcass grades. Physicochemical characteristics of the loin including the color, pH, chemical composition, and others pertaining to the textural properties changed minimally with decreasing carcass grade. Off-odor of the fresh loin and belly was not influenced by the carcass grade whereas dripping was lowest in the $1^+A$ grade; color and marbling were not influenced or minimally influenced by the carcass grade. Overall acceptability of the fresh primals, however, did not differ among the carcass grades. In cooked loin and belly, a trend of decreased taste and acceptability with decreasing carcass grade was evident, albeitat a low slope, with a significant difference detected between $1^+A$ and 2C grades. In conclusion, the decreased pig carcass grade due to overweight is accompanied by a slightly decreased meat quality, suggesting that the yield grade of pig carcass is also somewhat reflective of meat quality.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.12
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• pp.1654-1660
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• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different fattening periods i.e. 25, 27 and 29 months of age (25 mo, 27 mo and 29 mo), on feed consumption, body weight gain, carcass parameters, and lipogenic gene expression in 45 Korean native steers (Hanwoo). Daily DM intake was higher in steers on 29 mo compared with those on 25 mo or 27 mo. Daily body weight gain was higher in steers on 25 mo compared with those on 27 mo or 29 mo during fattening and overall experimental periods. Therefore, feed conversion ratio was lower in 25 mo compared with 27 mo or 29 mo during the fattening and whole experimental periods. As expected, slaughter and carcass weights were higher in the order of 29 mo>27 mo>25 mo. Carcass yield grade was relatively lower in 29 mo reflecting higher back fat thickness compared with other treatments, while carcass quality grade was not largely influenced by the treatments. By investigation with an ultra-sound scanning technique, the marbling score was significantly and numerically higher in 25 mo compared with 27 mo or 29 mo. The mRNA levels of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene were gradually increased in the late fattening stages (p<0.01) and mRNA of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), ATP citrate lyase (ACL) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) gene were highly expressed in 29 mo compared with 25 mo and 27 mo (p<0.05). However, gene expressions of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were not significantly different among the treatments. Thus the present results indicated that different fattening period has no major effect on carcass characteristics, although 25 mo had a lower carcass weight compared with 27 mo or 29 mo.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.933-938
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• 2003

This study was performed to analyse the sequences of variations of mtDNA D-loop and their effects on carcass traits in Hnawoo(Korean cattle). The resulting sequences were compared with previously published sequences for other cattle breeds(GenBank J01394). The PCR was used to amplify a total of 964 bp between nucleotide 15758 and 383 within D-loop region of mtDNA using specific primers. Twenty five polymorphic sites by nucleotide substitution were found in mtDNA of Hanwoo. The frequencies of positions at 169, 16042, 16093, 16119, 16255 and 16302 nt with high levels of sequence polymorphism were 0.891, 0.117, 0.109, 0.182, 0.197 and 0.117, respectively. The substitution effect at 169 and 16119 nt was found significant on marbling score. Also substitution effect at 169 and 16042 nt was highly significant(p〈0.01) on backfat. thickness. Polymorphism of mtDNA sequence in D-loop region could be useful for the analysis of cytoplasmic genetic variation and associations with the other economically important traits and maternal lineage analysis in Hanwoo.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2010

Hanwoo proven bulls have been selected since 1987 and consequently contributed to farmers for the improvement of beef cattle in Korea. The demand for the quality beef production as well as higher production efficiency was erupted after early 2000 as relatively cheap imported beef released. Therefore the pressure on the reformation of selection index for Hanwoo proven bulls have been piled up to furnish with Hanwoo's competitive. A total of 734 progeny test data were analyzed to select traits and their weights in the selection index to meet the beef market requirement. Regression analysis with stepwise selection method was used to select proper trait and its weight for selection index. A series of computer simulation was carried out to compare the currently using selection index with the alternate two selection indices proposed in this study. New selection index using standardized breeding values of Loin eye Muscle Area (LMA), Backfat Thickness (BFT) and Marbling Score (MS) with weight ratio 1:-1:6 was proposed. Results showed higher performance in improving MS and BFT gain by 22% and 31% still holding 86%~89% of genetic gain achieved by current index in Carcass Weight (CW) and LMA when new selection index was fitted. Because, new index has little consideration for production cost, further research should be performed to build selection index including cost and income simultaneously.