• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.55 no.3
• /
• pp.219-227
• /
• 2013

This study was conducted to elucidate the characteristics of equine meat traits and to evaluate the utilization of dried-citrus pulp abundantly produced in Jeju Island as feed ingredient in the diet of finished meat horses. Treatment groups consisted of wheat bran (A) and the dried-pellet mixture of citrus pulp (20%) and wheat bran (80%) (B). Feeding of agricultural by-products were 2 times in a day at the level of 1.5% of body weights. Water and dried-grass forage was not restricted. The average daily gain was similar in both groups. Feed conversion of treatment B showed lower level than that of A. Carcass rate of B was relatively lower than that of A, but meat yield grade of B was higher than that of A. For meat color traits, $L^*$ of B was lighter than that of A, and $b^*$ of group B was lower than that of group A. From the analysis of physical characteristics of equine meats, shearing force had decreased in the treatment B but the levels of drip loss and water holding cavity had increased in the treatment B compared to A. The level of crude fat is lower in the treatment B than the treatment A. For the mineral contents, the treatment B showed higher levels of Ca, K, Mg, Cu and Mn than that of A. For the fatty acid contents, the treatment B showed increased levels of stearic acid, oleic acid, eicosenoic acid, and arachidonic acid compared to A. Consequently, these results suggested that dried-citrus pulp might be utilized as replacement material for equine forage. Please rewrite the whole abstract and should include all required information. Before resubmission, please check it again from a native colleague in your group.