• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1090-1095
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• 2008

Marbling (intramuscular fat) is an important factor in determining meat quality in Korean beef market. A grain based finishing system for improving marbling leads to inefficient meat production due to an excessive fat production. Identification of intramuscular fat-specific gene might be achieved more targeted meat production through alternative genetic improvement program such as marker assisted selection (MAS). We carried out ddRT-PCR in 12 and 27 month old Hanwoo steers and detected 300 bp PCR product of the inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) gene, showing highly gene expression in 27 months old. A 1.5 kb sequence was re-sequenced using primer designed base on the Hanwoo EST sequence. We then predicted the open reading frame (ORF) of ICER gene in ORF finder web program. Tissue distribution of ICER gene expression was analysed in eight Hanwoo tissue using realtime PCR analysis. The highest ICER gene expression showed in Small intestine followed by Longissimus dorsi. Interestingly, the ICER gene expressed 2.5 time higher in longissimus dorsi than in same muscle type, Rump. For gene expression analysis in high- and low marbled individuals, we selected 4 and 3 animal based on the muscle crude fat contents (high is 17-32%, low is 6-7% of crude fat contents). The ICER gene expression was analysed using ANOVA model. Marbling (muscle crude fat contents) was affected by ICER gene (P=0.012). Particularly, the ICER gene expression was 4 times higher in high group (n=4) than low group (n=3). Therefore, ICER gene might be a functional candidate gene related to marbling in Hanwoo.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1083-1094
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• 2016

Carcass and price traits of 72,969 Hanwoo cows, bulls and steers aged 16 to 80 months at slaughter collected from 2002 to 2013 at 75 beef packing plants in Korea were analyzed to determine heritability, correlation and breeding value using the Multi-Trait restricted maximum likelihood (REML) animal model procedure. The traits included carcass measurements, scores and grades at 24 h postmortem and bid prices at auction. Relatively high heritability was found for maturity ($0.41{\pm}0.031$), while moderate heritability estimates were obtained for backfat thickness ($0.20{\pm}0.018$), longissimus muscle (LM) area ($0.23{\pm}0.020$), carcass weight ($0.28{\pm}0.019$), yield index ($0.20{\pm}0.018$), yield grade ($0.16{\pm}0.017$), marbling ($0.28{\pm}0.021$), texture ($0.14{\pm}0.016$), quality grade ($0.26{\pm}0.016$) and price/kg ($0.24{\pm}0.025$). Relatively low heritability estimates were observed for meat color ($0.06{\pm}0.013$) and fat color ($0.06{\pm}0.012$). Heritability estimates for most traits were lower than those in the literature. Genetic correlations of carcass measurements with characteristic scores or quality grade of carcass ranged from -0.27 to +0.21. Genetic correlations of yield grade with backfat thickness, LM area and carcass weight were 0.91, -0.43, and -0.09, respectively. Genetic correlations of quality grade with scores of marbling, meat color, fat color and texture were -0.99, 0.48, 0.47, and 0.98, respectively. Genetic correlations of price/kg with LM area, carcass weight, marbling, meat color, texture and maturity were 0.57, 0.64, 0.76, -0.41, -0.79, and -0.42, respectively. Genetic correlations of carcass price with LM area, carcass weight, marbling and texture were 0.61, 0.57, 0.64, and -0.73, respectively, with standard errors ranging from ${\pm}0.047$ to ${\pm}0.058$. The mean carcass weight breeding values increased by more than 8 kg, whereas the mean marbling scores decreased by approximately 0.2 from 2000 through 2009. Overall, the results suggest that genetic improvement of productivity and carcass quality could be obtained under the national scale breeding scheme of Korea for Hanwoo and that continuous efforts to improve the breeding scheme should be made to increase genetic progress.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.12
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• pp.1718-1734
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• 2009

The aim of this review is to address some characteristics that influence meat quality. Genetic groups, nutrition, finishing systems and gender are the major factors that change carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Genetic groups that have zebu genes in their composition show higher hot carcass dressing than genetic groups without zebu genes. Genetic groups that have European breeds in their composition have higher marbling scores. On the other hand, genetic groups that have zebu breeds show low marbling scores. Bulls finished in feedlots present higher final weight than steers, cull cows and heifers. Fat thickness is one of the principal parameters that are affected by different gender. Cull cows (4.72 mm) and heifers (4.00 mm) present higher values than bulls (1.75 mm) and steers (2.81 mm). The major effects observed by different systems of termination are fat thickness and marbling. Crude protein presents variation due to nutrition. Nutrition influences variation of fatty acid profile. Genetic groups also influence fatty acid profile. Genetic groups that have zebu genes in their composition show high percentage of PUFA. The major class of fatty acids that is changed with nutrition is PUFA. The better ratios of PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 are found in Longissimus muscle of animals finished in pasture systems.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.1407-1414
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate (co) variance components and genetic parameters for categorical carcass traits using Bayesian inference via mixed linear and threshold animal models in Anglonubian goats. Methods: Data were obtained from Anglonubian goats reared in the Brazilian Mid-North region. The traits in study were body condition score, marbling in the rib eye, ribeye area, fat thickness of the sternum, hip height, leg perimeter, and body weight. The numerator relationship matrix contained information from 793 animals. The single- and two-trait analyses were performed to estimate (co) variance components and genetic parameters via linear and threshold animal models. For estimation of genetic parameters, chains with 2 and 4 million cycles were tested. An 1,000,000-cycle initial burn-in was considered with values taken every 250 cycles, in a total of 4,000 samples. Convergence was monitored by Geweke criteria and Monte Carlo error chain. Results: Threshold model best fits categorical data since it is more efficient to detect genetic variability. In two-trait analysis the contribution of the increase in information and the correlations between traits contributed to increase the estimated values for (co) variance components and heritability, in comparison to single-trait analysis. Heritability estimates for the study traits were from low to moderate magnitude. Conclusion: Direct selection of the continuous distribution of traits such as thickness sternal fat and hip height allows obtaining the indirect selection for marbling of ribeye.

• Textile Coloration and Finishing
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2008

The study has attempted to introduce a new coating than the conventional standardized method of spray, padding and roll coating. The study has focused on finding condition for separating water and organic layer in marble bath and surface effects according to kind of raw hide. It was found that dyestuff-free was to be used in water layer and the input amount of initial insoluble pigment to be added in marble bath should be adjusted following the change of surface area of the marble bath in order to get efficient marble effect while preventing coagulation of water and organic layers. Eventually, amorphous high value-added leather could be obtained treated in process other than the conventional standardized method. Even raw hides of low grades($C{\sim}E$ grades) could be processed into amorphous marble effect that could conceal or shield surface scratches by the colorant, which eventually eliminated necessity of using excessive amount of chemicals in the coating process leading to achieving high quality marble leather of natural look.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.709-718
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• 2016

This review addresses the characteristics and health benefit of highly marbled Wagyu and Hanwoo beef. Marbling of Wagyu and Hanwoo beef has been increased in Japan and Korea to meet domestic consumer preferences. Wagyu and Hanwoo cattle have high potential of accumulating intramuscular fat (IMF) and producing highly marbled beef. The IMF content varies depending on the feeding of time, finishing diet, and breed type. IMF increases when feeding time is increased. The rate of IMF increase in grain-fed cattle is faster than that in pasture-fed cattle. Fatty acid composition are also different depending on breeds. Highly marbled Wagyu and Hanwoo beef have higher proportions of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) due to higher concentrations of oleic acid. MUFAs have little effect on total cholesterol. They are heart-healthy dietary fat because they can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Clinical trials have indicated that highly marbled beef does not increase LDL-cholesterol. This review also emphasizes that high oleic acid beef such as Wagyu and Hanwoo beef might be able to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1923-1932
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• 2019

Objective: We investigated visual marbling level (VML) influence on pork loin physicochemical traits, consumer palatability responses, VML liking, purchase intent, and their relationships. Methods: For each of five slaughtering dates, at 24-h postmortem, nine paired Duroc castrated male boneless Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles were categorized into low (LM, score 1 to 2, n = 3), medium (MM, score 3 to 4, n = 3), and high (HM, score 5 to 6, n = 3) VML. Meat physicochemical quality traits and consumer responses (n = 389) on palatability and VML liking, and purchase intent were evaluated. The experiment was in randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance, Duncan's multiple mean comparisons, and correlation coefficients were determined. Results: VML correspond to crude fat (r = 0.91, p<0.01), but both were reversely related to moisture content (r = -0.75 and -0.91, p<0.01, respectively). As VML increased, ash (p<0.05) and protein (p = 0.072) decreased, pH and $b^{\star}$ increased (p<0.05), but drip, cooking (p<0.05) and thawing (p = 0.088) losses decreased. Among treatments, muscle fiber diameter, sarcomere length, total and insoluble collagen contents, $L^{\star}$, and $a^{\star}$ did not differ (p>0.05). Compared to the others, HM had lower collagen solubility percentage (p<0.05), but similar (p>0.05) Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). No differences (p>0.05) were found in juiciness, overall flavor, oiliness, and overall acceptability, but HM was more tender (p<0.05) than the others. Based on VML, consumers preferred MM to HM (p<0.05), while LM was similar to MM and HM (p>0.05). Corresponding to VML preference (r = 0.45, p<0.01), consumers (83%) would (p<0.01) definitely and probably buy MM, over LM (74%), and HM (68%), respectively. Conclusion: Increasing VML in pork LD altered its chemical composition, slightly increased pH, and improved water holding capacity, thereby improving its tenderness acceptability. Marbling might reduce chewing resistance, as lower collagen solubility in HM did not impact tenderness acceptability and WBSF. While HM was rated as most tender, consumers visually preferred and would purchase MM.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.69-74
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate the carcass characteristics of crossbred pigs according to mating system, carcass grade and age at marketing. A total of 656 pigs of 128 gilts and 528 barrows were collected and analyzed at public slaughter house. Differences between LY and LYD crossbred on marbling score and water holding capacity were significantly (p<0.05) found. The influences of LY and LYD crossbred on carcass weight, backfat thickness, meat colour, carcass grade and age at marketing were not significantly showed. The carcass weight of D carcass grade was significantly (p<0.05) heavier than that of the other grade. The backfat thickness was significantly (p<0.05) appeared gradually in accordance with the increase of carcass grade. There was significantly difference among the carcass grades on water holding capacity (p<0.05). The differences among the carcass grades on the meat colour, marbling score and age at marketing were not found significantly. The carcass weight of high age group at marketing was significantly heavier than that of the low age group (p<0.05). The backfat thickness of the group of high age at marketing was significantly thicker than that of the group of low age (p<0.05). There were significant differences among age group at marketing in marbling score, carcass grade, and water holding capacity, respectively (p<0.05). The carcass weight was positively correlated with the backfat thickness but negatively correlated with the carcass grade. The correlation between the backfat and carcass grade was significantly negative. The meat colour was negatively correlated with water holding capacity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1785-1793
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• 2008

Fifty-four PIC barrows were used to evaluate the effects of lower dietary lysine content and energy level on carcass characteristics and meat quality in slaughter pigs. Pigs were allotted to one of three treatments by body weight with six replicate pens in each treatment. The dietary treatments for body weights of 20-50 kg, 50-80 kg and 80-90 kg were as follows, respectively: control diet (digestible energy 14.22 MJ/kg, lysine/DE 0.67 g/MJ, 0.53 g/MJ and 0.42 g/MJ); a low lysine group (digestible energy 14.22 MJ/kg, lysine/DE 0.49, 0.38 and 0.30 g/MJ); and a low lysine-low energy group or low nutrient group (digestible energy 13.11 MJ/kg, lysine/DE 0.49, 0.38 and 0.30 g/MJ). The daily weight gain, daily feed intake and feed efficiency were calculated in the overall growth period (nearly 12 weeks). Meanwhile, carcass characteristics and meat quality were evaluated at 60 and 90 kg body weight respectively. During the overall growth trial, lowering dietary lysine and nutrient level both decreased weight gain (p<0.05) and feed efficiency (p<0.01). At 60 kg body weight, decreasing dietary lysine and nutrient level noticeably decreased dressing percentage (p<0.01) and back fat depth at last rib of PIC pigs (p<0.01), but enhanced marbling scores (p<0.10), intramuscular fat content (p<0.10) and water loss rate (p<0.01) of the longissimus dorsi muscle. At 90 kg body weight, lean percentage (p<0.01) was evidently reduced by both lowering lysine content and nutrient level in the diet. However, the shoulder back fat depth (p<0.05) and marbling scores of the loin eye muscle (p<0.05) were increased; Lowering dietary nutrient level could improve back fat depth of 10th rib (p<0.01) and last rib (p<0.01), intramuscular fat content (p<0.10), redness (p<0.01) and water loss rate of the loin eye muscle (p<0.05), but decrease loin area (p<0.05). Finally, when comparing the 60 kg and 90 kg slaughter weights, it was found that the shoulder back fat depth (p<0.01, p<0.10), 6th-7th rib (p<0.01, p<0.01), 10th-rib (p<0.01, p<0.01) and last rib back fat depth (p<0.01, p<0.01) of the low lysine and low nutrient group were all obviously increased comparing with the control group. Taken together, the results showed that decreasing dietary lysine content and nutrient level increased intramuscular fat content and water loss rate of longissimus dorsi muscle; On the other hand, both lowering dietary lysine and nutrient level markedly compensated to increase back fat deposition in the later finishing period (body weight from 60 to 90 kg) in contrast to the control group.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.1514-1518
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• 2006

English crossbred steers (n = 32) and heifers (n = 32) were fed a corn-based finishing diet and supplemented with 2% Ascophyllum nodosum on a DM basis to for various feeding stages of the 119 d feeding period determine the supplementation strategy that maximized intramuscular fat deposition as determined by quality grade. All cattle were implanted with Ralgro$^{(R)}$ on d 36 of the trial and re-implanted with Revalor-S$^{(R)}$ or Revalor-H$^{(R)}$ on d 92. Cattle were blocked by sex and divided into one control and three treatment groups receiving Ascophyllum nodosum. Treatment 1 (trt 1) received Ascophyllum nodosum from d 36 to 50 of the feeding period, trt 2 received Ascophyllum nodosum for the last 14 d of the feeding period, and trt 3 which received Ascophyllum nodosum for both d 36-50 and the last 14 d of the feeding period. Cattle were weighted initially ($385{\pm}4.53kg$) and every 28 d following until they reach an average BW of $554{\pm}7.46kg$. No effect for Ascophyllum nodosum supplementation was found on measured performance characteristics. All treatment groups supplemented with Ascophyllum nodosum had higher actual marbling scores (p<0.05) than controls. Trt 1 was found to have a highest marbling score (572.5; p<0.05), whereas the control group having the lowest marbling score (473.8). Trt 1 had a higher quality grade (5.25; p<0.05) than the control (3.94) group, but did not differ from trt 2 (4.56; p = 0.105) and trt 3 (4.75; p = 0.236) where high Select = 4, and low Choice = 5. Trt 2 did not differ from trt 3 (p = 0.655), or the control group (p = 0.140) for quality grade. However, trt 3 did tend to differ (p = 0.057) from the control group for quality grade. Control group animals graded 25% Choice, 62.5% Select; trt 1 graded 75% Choice, 18.8% Select; trt 2 graded 62.5% Choice, 25% Select and trt 3 graded 56.3% Choice and 31.2% Select. Overall, treatment groups had a 39.6% increase in Choice quality grade and a 37.5% decrease in Select quality grade when compared to the control animals.