• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.1199-1208
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of metabolite levels in serum and milk obtained from cows fed on different concentrate to forage feed ratios. Methods: Eight lactating Holstein cows were divided into two groups: a high forage ratio diet (HF; 80% Italian ryegrass and 20% concentrate of daily intake of dry matter) group and a high concentrate diet (HC; 20% Italian ryegrass and 80% concentrate) group. Blood was collected from the jugular vein, and milk was sampled using a milking machine. Metabolite levels in serum and milk were estimated using proton nuclear magnetic resonance and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses performed using Chenomx 8.4. For statistical analysis, Student's t-test and multivariate analysis were performed using Metaboanalyst 4.0. Results: In the principal component analysis, a clear distinction between the two groups regarding milk metabolites while serum metabolites were shown in similar. In serum, 95 metabolites were identified, and 13 metabolites (include leucine, lactulose, glucose, betaine, etc.) showed significant differences between the two groups. In milk, 122 metabolites were identified, and 20 metabolites (include urea, carnitine, acetate, butyrate, arabinitol, etc.) showed significant differences. Conclusion: Our results show that different concentrate to forage feed ratios impact the metabolite levels in the serum and milk of lactating Holstein cows. A higher number of metabolites in milk, including those associated with milk fat synthesis and the presence of Escherichia coli in the rumen, differed between the two groups compared to that in the serum. The results of this study provide a useful insight into the metabolites associated with different concentrate to forge feed ratios in cows and may aid in the search for potential biomarkers for subacute ruminal acidosis.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.1367-1378
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• 2022

Objective: The present study was conducted to examine the gas production, fermentation characteristics, nutrient degradation, and methanogenic community composition of a rumen fluid culture with Broussonetia papyrifera (B. papyrifera) subjected to ensiling or steam explosion (SE) pretreatment. Methods: Fresh B. papyrifera was collected and pretreated by ensiling or SE, which was then fermented with ruminal fluids as ensiled B. papyrifera group, steam-exploded B. papyrifera group, and untreated B. papyrifera group. The gas and methane production, fermentation characteristics, nutrient degradation, and methanogenic community were determined during the fermentation. Results: Cumulative methane production was significantly improved with SE pretreatment compared with ensiled or untreated biomass accompanied with more volatile fatty acids production. After 72 h incubation, SE and ensiling pretreatments decreased the acid detergent fiber contents by 39.4% and 22.9%, and neutral detergent fiber contents by 10.6% and 47.2%, respectively. Changes of methanogenic diversity and abundance of methanogenic archaea corresponded to the variations in fermentation pattern and methane production. Conclusion: Compared with ensiling pretreatment, SE can be a promising technique for the efficient utilization of B. papyrifera, which would contribute to sustainable livestock production systems.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.988-1010
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• 2024

Obesity, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is excessive fat accumulation that can pose health risks and is a disorder of the energy homeostasis system. In typical westernized diets, ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) vastly exceed the amount of ω-3 PUFAs, with ω-6/ω-3 ratios ranging from 10:1 to 25:1. ω-6 PUFAs, such as arachidonic acid, have pro-inflammatory effects and increase obesity. On the other hand, ω-3 PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, have anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are synthesized in almost all higher plants, algae, and some fungi. However, in humans and animals, they are essential fatty acids and must be consumed through diet or supplementation. Therefore, balancing LA/ALA ratios is essential for obesity prevention and human health. Monogastric animals such as pigs and chickens can produce meat and eggs fortified with ω-3 PUFAs by controlling dietary fatty acid (FA). Additionally, ruminant animals such as feeder cattle and lactating dairy cows can opt for feed supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs sources and rumen-protected microencapsulated FAs or pasture finishing. This method can produce ω-3 PUFAs and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) fortified meat, milk, and cheese. A high ω-6/ω-3 ratio is associated with proinflammation and obesity, whereas a balanced ratio reduces inflammation and obesity. Additionally, probiotics containing lactic acid bacteria are necessary, which reduces inflammation and obesity by converting ω-6 PUFAs into functional metabolites such as 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid and CLA.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.283-294
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• 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing concentrates in a forage-based diet on methane emissions of pregnant Hanwoo heifers. Twenty-one pregnant Hanwoo heifers (481 ± 42.4 kg) were divided into two groups: 1) a group receiving forage only (control, CON) and 2) the other group receiving forage with 4 kg of a concentrate mix (treatment, TRT). Methane (CH₄) concentration was measured using a laser methane detector, following an 18-d adaptation period, according to previously established protocols. Feed intake was recorded throughout the experimental period. Ruminal fluid was collected and analyzed for pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N), and volatile fatty acid (VFA). The TRT exhibited higher dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intake than CON (p < 0.05) with elevated NH₃-N (p < 0.001) and total VFA concentrations (p = 0.013). The proportions of butyrate, valerate, and iso-valerate were higher in TRT than CON (p < 0.05). Notably, CH₄ concentrations per kg dry matter intake was lower in the TRT group, both from respiration and eructation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing concentrates in a low-quality forage-based diet for pregnant Hanwoo heifers fulfills nutrient requirements and reduces CH₄ emissions, suggesting a potential strategy to reduce environmental impact of Hanwoo production.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.975-984
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• 2005

This study fulfilled to investigate the feed efficiency, tissue selenium distribution, carcass characteristic and economic value in finishing Hanwoo steers fed organic selenium mix (OSM) which included seleno-yeast, rumen culture and other microbial supplements. Forty five finishing Hanwoo steers were tested for 4 months dividing to three feeding groups: OSM add as 0.5 ppm Se of DM feeds (0.5 ppm OSM), OSM enriched add as 1.0 ppm Se of DM feeds (1.0 ppm OSM) and basal diet without OSM (control). The total weight gains, the average daily gains and the feed intakes were not differ in treatments (p > 0.05). No differences (p > 0.05) were noted for hot carcass weight, loin eye area, backfat thickness, meat yield index, meat color, fat color, tenderness and maturity. However, the 1.0 ppm OSM showed better performances for feed requirement, TDN per gain, meat yield grade and meat quality grade compared to other groups. Tissue selenium distribution was increased by organic selenium feeding: higher Se concentration in liver and rump of 0.5 ppm OSM (p < 0.05), and kidney, liver, sirloin and rump of 1.0 ppm OSM (p < 0.05) than the tissues of control group. Generally, tissue selenium was the highest value in 1.0 ppm OSM and showed higher concentrate in order; kidney, liver, sirloin and rump. The income over feed cost was 1.06-fold higher in 1.0 ppm OSM than control group. In conclusion, organic selenium mix supplementation and its amounts were not influenced to feed intake, body gain and carcass characteristic but significantly increased tissue selenium. Therefore, these results suggest that finishing Hanwoo steer fed an enriched organic selenium mix with proper probiotics is able to produce “high-Se” beef as high bioavailable form as well as create a beneficial opportunity on Hanwoo farm.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.141-147
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• 2012

The present survey was conducted to provide basic information on Hanwoo calf management. Eight hundred and sixty-two Hanwoo breeding farms from all nine provinces were surveyed via personal interviews. The percentages of farms categorized by herd size were 30.5%, 32.8%, 26.0% and 10.7% for <50 heads, 51-100 heads, 101-200 heads, and >200 heads, respectively. More than 50% of farms offered calf starter at 6-10 days of age, showing that calf starter was offered relatively at an earlier age. Calf starter was replaced every three days by 30.1% of farms. The percentages of farms replacing starter weekly (19.2%) were even higher than those of replacing starter daily (18.8%), suggesting that the frequency of replacing starter needs to be increased to maintain starter freshness and to increase starter intake. About one-third of farms offered forage at 6-10 days of age and 21% of farms offered even at 1-5 days of age although it has been well known that forage does not contain either nutrient density or nutrient profile necessary to stimulate rumen papillae development, especially before weaning. Furthermore, about half of farms used rice straw with calf starter. Water was offered relatively at an earlier age (1-5 days of age) by 55% of farms. Deciding when to wean calves should be based on starter intake rather than age but less than 50% of farms decided weaning age by starter intake. In conclusions, to reduce weaning age of Hanwoo calves by rapid rumen papillae development it is necessary to provide fresh starter and water by increasing frequency of starter replacing and water trough cleaning and not to feed forage before weaning.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.629-646
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• 2013

This study was conducted to investigate effects of terpenoids-rich plant extracts (TRPE) on the in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane production. The ruminal fluid was collected from a cannulated Hanwoo cow fed concentrate and timothy in the ratio of 6 to 4. The TRPE as Mint (Mentha arvensis var. piperascens), Pine (Pinus densiflora), Japan cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum), Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtuse) and Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) were used in this study. The 15 mL of mixture, contains McDougall buffer and rumen fluid in the ratio of 2 to 1. The mixture was dispensed anaerobically 50 mL serum bottles and it is contained 0.3 g timothy substrate and 5% TRPE. The bottles were incubated at $39^{\circ}C$ for 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. The pH value decrease by increased incubation times and the pH values at all times were significantly (p<0.05) higher in treatments than in control. The digestibility of dry matter at 3 hours was significantly (p<0.05) higher in mint treatment than in control. Productions of total gas and carbon dioxide at before 12 hours was significantly lower (p<0.05) in treatments than in control. The methane production at 24 hours was significantly (p<0.05) lower in treatments than in control. The concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acid at 24 hours were significantly higher (p<0.05) in mint and pine treatments than in control. In conclusion, the terpenoid-rich plant extracts were shown to decreased methane emission and without adversely affected ruminal fermentation. Therefore, the terpenoid-rich plant extracts as mint and pine were shown to decreased methane production and it has potential possibility for ruminal fermentations.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2009

This experiment was conducted to observe the effects of anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria culture (Ruminococcus flavefaciens H-20 and Fibrobactor succinogenes H-23) on in vivo ruminal fermentation characteristics in Hanwoo heifers. Four ruminally cannulated Hanwoo heifers ($221\pm7.5kg$) receiving a basal diet containing 3 kg of mixture hay (tall fescue and ochardgrass) and 2 kg of concentrate per day were in a $4\times4$ Latin square with 21-day periods. Treatments were the basal diet without the culture additive (control), the basal diet plus 50 ml/day of bacteria culture of H-20 and H-23 (1%), 150 ml/day of H-20 and H-23 (3%), and 250 ml/day of H-20 and H-23 (5%). In the whole experimental periods, ruminal pH did not differ between treatments. However, the concentration of ruminal ammonia-N was increased in the 3% treatment relative to control and the 1% treatment at 1 hr post-feeding (p<0.05). Avicelase and CMCase (carboxymethyl cellulase) activities in rumen fluid showed no significant difference among treatments. However, xylanase activity was higher in the 5% (119.49, xylose ${\mu}mol$/ml/min) than the 3% treatment (71.02, xylose ${\mu}mol$/ml/min) at 0 hr post-feeding (p<0.05). Concentrations of ruminal total VFA, acetate, propionate and valerate were unaffected by treatments, while butyrate was higher in the 3% treatment (24.48 mM) than control (15.71 mM) at 1 hr post-feeding (p<0.05). Results indicate that minimum 3% inclusion of cellulolytic bacteria cultures improved ruminal fermentation, especially ammonia-N concentration and butyric acid production.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.515-523
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• 2012

The study investigated the biochemical methane potential (BMP) assay of cellulose supplementing with mixed methanogens and cellulolytic bacteria to improve anaerobic digestion for methane production. For the BMP assay, 7 different microbial supplementation groups were consisted of the cultures of mixed methanogens (M), Fibrobacter succinogenes (FS), Ruminococcus flavefaciensn (RF), R. albus (RA), RA+FS and M+RA+FS including control. The cultures were added in the batch reactors with the increasing dose levels of 1% (0.5 mL), 3% (1.5 mL) and 5% (2.5 mL). Incubation for the BMP assay was carried out for 40 days at $38^{\circ}C$ and anaerobic digestate obtained from an anaerobic digester with pig slurry as inoculum was used. In results, 5% FS increased total biogas and methane production up to 10.4~22.7% and 17.4~27.5%, respectively, compared to other groups (p<0.05). Total solid (TS) digestion efficiency showed a similar trend to the total biogas and methane productions. Generally the TS digestion efficiency of the FS group was higher than that of other groups showing at the highest value of 64.2% in the 5% FS group. Volatile solid (VS) digestion efficiencies of 68.4 and 71.0% in the 5% FS and the 5% RF were higher than other groups. After incubation, pH values in all treatment groups were over 6.4 indicating that methanogensis was not inhibited during the incubation. In conclusion, the results indicated that the hydrolysis stage for methane production in anaerobic batch reactors was the late-limiting stage compared with the methanogenesis stage, and especially, as the supplementation levels of F. succinogenes supplementation increased, the methane production was increased in the BMP assay compared with other microbial culture addition.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.1049-1057
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• 2012

The study investigated the biochemical methane potential (BMP) assay of pig slurry supplemented with mixed methanogens and cellulolytic bacteria to improve anaerobic digestion for methane production. For the BMP assay, 7 different microbial supplementation groups consisted of the cultures of mixed methanogens (M), Fibrobacter succinogenes (FS), Ruminococcus flavefaciensn (RF), R. albus (RA), RA+FS, M+RA+FS, and control. The cultures were added in the batch reactors with the increasing dose levels of 1% (0.5 mL), 3% (1.5 mL) and 5% (2.5 mL). Incubation for the BMP assay was carried out for 60 days at $38^{\circ}C$ using anaerobic digestate obtained from an anaerobic digester with pig slurry as inoculum. In results, 5% RF and RA+FS increased total biogas up to 8.1 and 8.4%, respectively, compared with that of control (p<0.05). All 5% microbial culture supplements significantly increased methane production up to 12.1~17.9% compared with that of control (p<0.05). Total solid (TS) and volatile solid (VS) digestion efficiencies showed no relationship to the increased supplementation levels of microbial cultures. After incubation, pH values in all treatment groups ranged between 7.527 and 7.657 indicating that methanogensis was not inhibited during the incubation. In conclusion, the results indicated that both hydrolysis and methanogenesis stages for methane production in anaerobic batch reactors were influenced by the supplemented microorganisms due to the chemical characteristics of pig slurry, but only the 5% supplementation level of all microbial culture supplements used in the experiment affected methane production.