Contribution analysis of carcass traits on auction price for Hanwoo in Gyeonggi province

The aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to the auction price and total price of carcasses by using squared semi-partial correlation of carcass traits. The data used in this study were the carcass grades assigned to 7,145 head of Hanwoo slaughtered from 2013 to 2018 in Gyeonggi province and 106,779 head of Hanwoo slaughtered from 2013 to 2018 outside of Gyeonggi province. The rankings of the carcass traits contributing to the auction price were in the order of marbling score (86.70%), backfat thickness (10.42%), eye muscle area (1.40%), and carcass weight (0.92%) in Gyeonggi province. In Hanwoo slaughtered outside of Gyeonggi province, the rankings were in the order of marbling score (88.53%), backfat thickness (9.06%), eye muscle area (1.24%), and carcass weight (0.99%). The rankings of carcass traits contributing to the total price were in the order of marbling score (45.95%), carcass weight (45.60%), backfat thickness (6.49%) and eye muscle area (0.77%) in Gyeonggi province. In Hanwoo slaughtered outside Gyeonggi province, the rankings were in the order of marbling score (49.64%), carcass weight (43%), backfat thickness (5.86%), and eye muscle area (0.66%). Gyeonggi province Hanwoo had thinner backfat thickness than Hanwoo outside Gyeonggi, and it had a higher contribution to auction price and total price. Collectively, Hanwoo in Gyeonggi province showed higher contribution scores for backfat thickness. This study aimed to provide basic information to guide Hanwoo breeding and increase profits for Hanwoo farms through the analysis of each traits according to environmental factors.