• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.925-937
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• 2016

In the last few decades, transgenic animal technology has witnessed an increasingly wide application in animal breeding. Reproductive traits are economically important to the pig industry. It has been shown that the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IB (BMPR1B) A746G polymorphism is responsible for the fertility in sheep. However, this causal mutation exits exclusively in sheep and goat. In this study, we attempted to create transgenic pigs by introducing this mutation with the aim to improve reproductive traits in pigs. We successfully constructed a vector containing porcine BMPR1B coding sequence (CDS) with the mutant G allele of A746G mutation. In total, we obtained 24 cloned male piglets using handmade cloning (HMC) technique, and 12 individuals survived till maturation. A set of polymerase chain reactions indicated that 11 of 12 matured boars were transgene-positive individuals, and that the transgenic vector was most likely disrupted during cloning. Of 11 positive pigs, one (No. 11) lost a part of the terminator region but had the intact promoter and the CDS regions. cDNA sequencing showed that the introduced allele (746G) was expressed in multiple tissues of transgene-positive offspring of No.11. Western blot analysis revealed that BMPR1B protein expression in multiple tissues of transgene-positive $F_1$ piglets was 0.5 to 2-fold higher than that in the transgene-negative siblings. The No. 11 boar showed normal litter size performance as normal pigs from the same breed. Transgene-positive $F_1$ boars produced by No. 11 had higher semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm per ejaculate than the negative siblings, although the differences did not reached statistical significance. Transgene-positive $F_1$ sows had similar litter size performance to the negative siblings, and more data are needed to adequately assess the litter size performance. In conclusion, we obtained 24 cloned transgenic pigs with the modified porcine BMPR1B CDS using HMC. cDNA sequencing and western blot indicated that the exogenous BMPR1B CDS was successfully expressed in host pigs. The transgenic pigs showed normal litter size performance. However, no significant differences in litter size were found between transgene-positive and negative sows. Our study provides new insight into producing cloned transgenic livestock related to reproductive traits.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.357-364
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• 2000

Members of the glycoprotein family, which includes CG, LH, FSH and TSH, comprise two noncovalently linked $\alpha$- and $\beta$-subunits. Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), known as PMSG, has a number of interesting and unique characteristics since it appears to be a single molecule that possesses both LH- and FSH-like activities in other species than the horse. This dual activity of eCG in heterologous species is of fundamental interest to the study of the structure-function relationships of gonadotropins and their receptors. CG and LH $\beta$ genes are different in primates. In horse, however, a single gene encodes both eCG and eLH $\beta$ -subunits. The subunit mRNA levels seem to be independently regulated and their imbalance may account for differences in the quantities of $\alpha$ - and $\beta$-subunits in the placenta and pituitary. The dual activities of eCG could be separated by removal of the N-linked oligosaccharide on the $\alpha$-subunit Asn 56 or CTP-associated O-linked oligosaccharides. The tethered-eCG was efficiently secreted and showed similar LH-like activity to the dimeric eCG. Interestingly, the FSH-like activity of the tethered-eCG was increased markedly in comparison with the native and wild type eCG. These results also suggest that this molecular can implay particular models of FSH-like activity not LH-like activity in the eCG/indicate that the constructs of tethered molecule will be useful in the study of mutants that affect subunit association and/or secretion. A single-chain analog can also be constructed to include additional hormone-specific bioactive generating potentially efficacious compounds that have only FSH-like activity. The LH/CG receptor (LH/CGR), a membrane glycoprotein that is present on testicular Leydig cells and ovarian theca, granulosa, luteal, and interstitial cells, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of gonadal development and function in males as well as in nonpregnant and pregnant females. The LH/CGR is a member of the family of G protein-coupled receptors and its structure is predicted to of a large extracellular domain connected to a bundle of seven membrane-spanning a-helices. The LH/CGR phosphorylation can be induced with a phorbol ester, but not with a calcium ionophore. The truncated form of LHR also was down-regulated normally in response to hCG stimulation. In contrast, the cell lines expressing LHR-t631 or LHR-628, the two phosphorylation-negative receptor mutant, showed a delay in the early phase of hCG-induced desensitization, a complete loss of PMA-induced desensitization, and an increase in the rate of hCG-induced receptor down-regulation. These results clearly show that residues 632~653 in the C-terminal tail of the LHR are involved in PMA-induced desensitization, hCG-induced desensitization, and hCG-induced down-regulation. Recently, constitutively activating mutations of the receptor have been identified that are associated with familial male-precocious puberty. Cells expressing LHR-D556Y bind hCG with normal affinity, exhibit a 25-fold increase in basal cAMP and respond to hCG with a normal increase in cAMP accumulation. This mutation enhances the internalization of the free and agoinst-occupied receptors ~2- and ~17- fold, respectively. We conclude that the state of activation of the LHR can modulate its basal and/or agonist-stimulated internalization. Since the internalization of hCG is involved in the termination of hCG actions, we suggest that the lack of responsiveness detected in cells expressing LHR-L435R is due to the fast rate of internalization of the bound hCG. This statement is supported by the finding that hCG responsiveness is restored when the cells are lysed and signal transduction is measured in a subcellular fraction (membranes) that cannot internalize the bound hormone.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.739-746
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• 2002

We investigated the effect of fig fermented product(FFP) supplementation on growth performance, serum profile, carcass performance, meat performance and meat quality in 10 bulls of Korean cattle. Concentrates diet was supplemented with substrate fermented from fig fruit and leaves at 10% of the diet. The feed intake of FFP were slightly higher than the control, but the final weight showed no sifnificant difference between the two. Daily weight gain and feed intake were increased in FFP. The serum profile had no significant difference in the treatment. In carcass performance, the meat quantity grade of the treatment had no significant difference, but in meat quality grade the marbling score of FFP was significantly(P<0.05) increased therefore it showed a positive effect on meat quality grade. Also there was no significant(P<0.05) difference of meat cut performance in the treatment. Due to the proximate characteristics of longissimuss muscles the crude fat content of the FFP was significantly(P<0.05) increased. There was no significant difference(P<0.05) in physical characteristics ; pH level, meat color and heat loss of the treatment, but the shear force value and the cholesterol content of FFP significantly(P<0.05) decreased. Crude fat was increased(P<0.05) and cooking loss, shear force and cholesterol concentration were decreased. In fatty acids composition of the FFP, the linoleic acid from the longissimus increased significantly(P<0.05). In subcutaneous fat of longissimus of the FFP, C16:0(palmitic acid) significantly(P<0.05) decreased, but C18:1 significantly (P<0.05) increased. Therefore in FFP, the concentration of saturated fatty acid significantly decreased (P<0.05), but on the other hand the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids significantly (P<0.05) increased. In sensory evaluation of the FFP, the evaluation of odor increased slightly in a positive manner, also the appearance and the taste increased significantly(P<0.05). In conclusion when annexing additional fig fermented product to Hanwoo bulls, the carcass grade improves and the livestock production increases. Also the shear force, lower cholesterol, improved appearance and taste will open the doors to high quality meat production.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.667-678
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• 2005

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of addition of functional material(T1; pine needle powder, 0.4%, T2; perilla leaves powder, 0.4%, T3; green tea powder, 0.4%) on the quality characteristics of emulsion-type sausages. The samples were stored at $9{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ for 40 days and analyzed with an interval of 10 days. The pH of all emulsion-type sausages increased as storage period increased. Water holding capacity(WHC) of all treatments were slightly increased as storage period increased and rapidly decreased on 40 days of storage. In texture analysis, hardness, chewiness, gumminess and brittleness were increased with storage in all treatments group. TBARS values of T3 was lower than those of other treatments at 1 days of storage, while that was the slightly higher in T4 at 40 day of storage. The L* values was decreased as storage period increased. The a* values was highest in C, while it was the lowest in T2 and T3. The residual nitrite content of all samples were in very safe range during the whole storage period. During the storage period 40 days, the Lactobacilli spp. of C were higher($10^7$CFU/g) than those of 3 treatments. In sensory evaluation, the score of overall acceptability were higher in the order of C(5.5-6.5)>T1(4.8-6.0)>T2(4.8-5.8)>T3(4.3-4.8). In the manufacture of functional sausage containing pine needle, perilla leaves and green tea powder, further studied are needs on addition type/ratio of functional materials and the use of added spices.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.433-442
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• 2003

The objective of these studies were to examine the effects of processing methods of corn grains on in vitro dry matter digestability and in sacco degradability in the rumen by three ruminally cannulated dry Holstein cows. The corns for these experiments were untreated; whole corn L(density; 660 g/$\ell$), whole corn H(density; 740 g/$\ell$), and treated by four different types: Ground corn, 3.8 mm, 2.8 mm, and 1.5 mm flaked corns. The results obtained were summarized as follows: The DM degradabilities, after 48 hr incubation by in sacco method, were the highest(94.4, 88.0 and 87.0%, respectively) in 1.5 mm flaked corn, ground corn, and 2.8 mm flaked corn. The 3.8 mm flaked corn was degraded significantly lower than these. Until 12 hr incubation, whole corn L tended to be degraded little more than whole corn H, was not significantly different. However, after 24 hr incubation, the significant differences between whole corn L and whole corn H were shown(P<0.05). The DM digestabilities by in vitro digestion were the highest for 1.5 mm flaked corn and ground corn(92.3 and 91.2%, respectively)(P<0.05), followed by 2.8 mm and 3.8 mm flaked corn(83.9 and 83.4%, respectively), tended to be similar to those by in sacco method. Whole corn L was digested twice more rapidly than whole corn H. Summarizing the experimental data, compared with unprocessed corns, the flaked corns were significantly increased in the degradabilities of dry matter in the rumen. In addition, as increasing the flaking degree of corn, the degradabilities of dry matter were significantly improved. Referring to these kinds of physical characteristics of grain sources in the ruminal degradabilities, it is believed to be possible to optimize the environment of the fermentation in the rumen.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.443-452
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• 2006

The four rice(Oryza sativa L.) lines, previously demonstrated to have vigorous herbage production at the vegetative growth stage, were investigated for their growth traits, dry matter yield and feed value using the twice-cutting system that 1st-cut is harvested at panicle formation stage and 2nd-cut at the yellow ripen stage. The twice-cutting system is regarded as an effective method in the production of forage rice by escaping lodging and insect damages caused by the overgrowth and typhoon around the heading stage.The feed value of the twice-cut rice plant of there lines were compared with the control of normal, cutting at the yellow ripen stage. The relative feed value(RFV), the total digestible nutrient(TDN) and the crude protein(CP) content of the twice-cut straw were higher the control in every lines. However, the dry matter yield (DMY), represented by the summed forage production of 1st and 2nd cut-rice plant, were lower the control, and the DMY of straws were increase but grains were decrease for twice-cutting system. In addition, TDN yield showed the similar tendency with DMY.Recently, as one of the breeding aims the researches for improving the digestibility of rice straw have been required. In this regard, twice-cutting system is recognized with the fact that it has the effect which raises the digestibility of the straw. Especially, the 2nd cut of IR73111-B-R-15-3-1 line was similar to the control at the TDN yield of straw, and would be used as a breeding material for product the roughage of good quality.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.453-466
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• 2006

To comply with stricter regulations provoked by increasing odor nuisance, it is imperative to practice effective odor control for sustainable livestock production. This study was conducted to assess odor and odorous compounds emitted from liquid animal manure with different treatment methods such as Fresh Manure(without treatment, FM), Anaerobic Digestion(AD) and Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion(TAD) and their application to soil. Air samples were collected at the headspace of liquid manure, upland and paddy soil, and analyzed for odor intensity and offensiveness using an olfactometry; odor concentration index using odor analyser; nitrogen-containing compound such as ammonia(NH3) using fluorescence method; and sulfur containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide(H2S), methyl mercaptan(MeSH), dimethyl sulfide(DMS) and dimethyl disulfide(DMDS) using gas chromatography-pulsed flame photometric detector, respectively. Odor intensity, offensiveness and concentration index from TAD liquid manure was statistically lower than those from FM and AD(p<0.01). Mean concentrations of H2S, MeSH, DMS, DMDS and NH3 were 65.93ppb, 18.55ppb, 5.26ppb, 0.33ppb and 10.57ppm for liquid manure with AD; and 5.15ppb, 0.97ppb, 0.80ppb, 0.56ppb and 1.34ppm for liquid manure with TAD, respectively. More than 60% of malodorous compounds related to nitrogen and sulfur were removed by heterotrophic microorganisms during TAD treatment. When liquid manure was applied onto upland and paddy soil, NH3 removal efficiencies ranged from 51 to 94% and 22 to 91% for AD and TAD liquid manure, respectively. The above results show that liquid manure with TAD is superior to AD and FM with respect to the odor reduction and odor problem caused by land applied liquid manure is directly related to the degree of odor generated by the manure treatment method.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.783-800
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• 2007

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of high quality hay on the performance and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers. Twenty(20) Hanwoo(7 months old) were allocated into either Control(rice straw fed) or Treatment(timothy hay and rice straw fed) group(10 animals per group) and fed for 710 days until the animals reached at 30 months old. Concentrates were fed according to the feeding program composed with three(3) phases; growing, fattening, and finishing period. For the overall feeding period, final body weights were 761.3 and 799.6kg for the Control and Treatment groups, respectively, showing 38.3kg heavier body weight in Treatment group. ADG were 0.79 and 0.84kg for Control Treatment groups, respectively. These results might be because of the intake of high quality hay during growing phase and the effects persisted until the end of the experiment. Feed intake tended to be higher in Treatment group whereas feed conversion did not show significant difference between groups. Cold carcass weights were 451.0 and 475.3kg for Control and Treatment, There were no significant difference between groups in both yield and quality grade. There were no remarkable differences in physico-chemical characteristics fatty acid composition of carcasses between groups. In conclusion, it would be beneficial to feed high quality hay such as timothy during growing period of Hanwoo steers to produce high quality beef with heavier live and carcass weight.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplement of Alisma canaliculatum and Viscum album on the growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens. One hundred and forty Ross broiler chicks (1 day old) were assigned to 4 treatments in 5 replications with 7 birds per replication. The dietary treatments were NC group (without antibiotics), PC group (basal + 50 ppm Oxytetracycline), AC group (basal + Alisma canaliculatum 0.5%), and VA group (basal + Viscum album 0.5%). The results revealed that body weight gain and feed intake were not significantly different among the treatments. Addition of AC to the diet showed significantly higher feed conversion ratios than the VA addition diet and other treatments (p<0.05). The concentration of linolenic acid, ${\alpha}$-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid in the AC and VA treatment were relatively higher than that in the antibiotic treatment, while there was no difference in the concentration of SFA, USFA, and USFA/SFA. The serum IgG concentration in chickens tended to increase in the AC and VA treatment groups compared to NC group. The IL2 concentration in AC and VA groups was significantly higher than in other group (p<0.05). IL6 was not detected, however. GOT, GPT, and T-billirubin in the VA group were significantly higher than in other groups (p<0.05). Thus, the VA additives can result in the damage of liver and kidney. In conclusion, the dietary supplement of a 0.5% of AC and VA showed a similar growth performance and increased immunity response comparable to supplementing a 50 ppm Oxytetracycline. Therefore, it can be said that the AC and VA are possible alternates of antibiotics.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.401-412
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• 2005

This study was conducted to examine the effects of dietary Mogchotan(the mixture of charcoal and pyroligneous acid, 80:20, w/w) supplementation on fattening performance, fatty acid composition and the physico-chemical characteristics of meat in pigs. The present study was also stressed to investigate the possibility of industrial utilization of charcoal and pyroligneous acid as a livestock feed additive. Weight gain and feed conversion in pigs fed the Mogchotan supplemented diet were higher than those of the control group. In fatty acids composition, palmitic acid(C16:0) contents of Mogchotan treatment groups were lower than that of control group. However, Mogchotan supplementation increased C16:1, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 contents when compared with control group pigs. Also, Mogchotan supplementation groups decreased saturated fatty acids level than control group. On the other hand, Mogchotan supplementation showed higher unsaturated fatty acids value, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids value compared to control group. The carcass pH of pigs fed the Mogchotan tended to be higher than control, but was not significantly different. The water holding capacity was significantly higher in pigs fed the 3.0% Mogchotan-supplemented diet than those of other treatment groups(p<0.05). Altogether, it has been suggested that dietary $1{\sim}3%$ of Mogchotan supplementation improved the fattening performance and meat quality in pigs.