• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.114-120
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• 2024

Background: The Hanwoo industry must develop technologies that can increase the production of preferred cuts to match changing consumer trends. In this study, we aimed to estimate the genetic parameters for carcass traits (carcass weight, eye muscle area, back fat thickness, and intramuscular fat) and primal cut traits (tenderloin, loin, strip loin, neck, clod, top round, bottom round, brisket, shank, and rib) in a Hanwoo population to obtain basic data for improving primal cut productivity. Methods: Data from 1,905 Hanwoo steers, including carcass traits and primal cut weights, were collected. Genetic parameters were estimated using REMLF90 in a multi-trait analysis. Results: High heritability was found for carcass weight (0.52) and strip loin yield (0.63). Genetic correlations between carcass weight and primal cut weights ranged from 0.52 to 0.93. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the significant potential for genetic improvement in Hanwoo cattle through selective breeding, particularly for traits with high heritability and genetic correlations. These findings provide crucial insights into optimizing breeding programs to improve Hanwoo cattle production efficiency.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.315-323
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• 2013

This study analyzed optimal slaughter ages and carcass traits to investigate factors that affect farm incomes. Carcass characteristics and economical analysis of 81 Hanwoo steers previously tested (Expt. 1) and 5,826 steers from Gangwon-Do, area A (Expt. 2) were used. In Expt. 1, the strongest relationship was between the slaughter age and the carcass weight based on the $R^2$ value, and the weakest relationship was between the slaughter age and the marbling score based on the $R^2$. The slaughter age, marbling score, and rib-eye area of steers slaughtered from 26 to 31 months of age had a positive effect on income, but back fat thickness had a negative effect. In the economical analysis of Expt. 1, the optimal time for slaughter was 31 months of age. In Expt. 2, composed of steers slaughtered from 26 to 35 months of age in farms site of area A, the income was highest from steers slaughtered at 28 months of age, after which the income decreased. From the results of Expt. 1 and 2, it is evident that the optimal slaughter age of Hanwoo steers is affected by the genetic differences of calves, the feeding program and management, fattening skills, or carcass price. In order to improve the income of individual farms, the slaughter age must be precisely decided by understanding the exact relationship between the feeding cost of Hanwoo steers and slaughter results, such as carcass weight, yield grade and quality grade.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.255-262
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• 2009

Current study was conducted to investigate the influence of parity and region variation in ultrasound live carcass traits of Hanwoo cows. A total of 1,386 heads of Hanwoo cows, spreading over six regions in Gangwon province of South Korea, were measured for longissimus muscle area, back fat thickness, marbling score and rump fat thickness by using real-time ultrasound method. The results revealed that, positive correlations were found in all ultrasound live carcass traits. All live carcass traits were increased in accordance with parity until the sixth, and then decreased thereafter. Statistical significant differences (p<0.01) were found among regions in ultrasound live carcass traits, e.g. Hanwoo cows showed highest longissimus muscle area and marbling score in Hwacheon, while the lowest back fat thickness and rump fat thickness were observed in Yanggu. Greater longissimus muscle area and marbling scores were found in Hanwoo cows which were born during autumn, 2000. Moreover, individuals born during autumn, 2005 and 2006 showed a thicker back fat and rump fat thickness. Back fat thickness had the highest positive correlation with rump fat thickness, while rib eye area and rump fat thickness had the lowest correlation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.611-616
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• 2006

Genetic parameters for performance traits on 409 bulls and growth and carcass traits on 591 of their steer progeny were estimated in Japanese Black cattle with Gibbs sampling. Traits of bulls included body weight at the start (BWS) and finish (BWF) of test, daily gain (DG), concentrate, roughage and TDN intake, and TDN conversion ratio. Progeny traits were BWS, BWF, DG, rib eye area, marbling score (MSR), dressing percentage and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT). In bulls, heritabilities were high for BWS (0.50) and BWF (0.63) and moderate for concentrate (0.48) and TDN intake (0.45), while in progeny, the heritability for all the studied traits was moderate to high (ranging from 0.30 to 0.73), highlighting the potential for genetic improvement of these traits. Genetic correlations between TDN intake and growth traits (BWS, BWF and DG) in bulls were highly positive (ranging from 0.77 to 0.94). The weak but negative genetic correlation (-0.20) between MSR and SFT in progeny indicated that improvement of beef marbling without increasing subcutaneous fat deposition could be possible. The estimated genetic correlations of roughage intake of bulls with body weights (BWS and BWF) and MSR of their progeny were moderate (ranging from 0.35 to 0.52). On the basis of the selection for bulls, growth traits and TDN intake correlated positively with SFT (ranging from 0.43 to 0.53) of their progeny, suggesting the necessity of controlling the increase of SFT in selection programs.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.253-259
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different additives on the growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics in Holstein steers during 18month fattening periods. Twenty four Holstein steers, 5months of age and 176.6kg, were randomly allocated to 3 experimental groups 8 animals each for 18-months feeding trial. The groups were control (not additive), T1 (fed zinc, Vitamin C) and T2 (fed zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Selenium). According to feeding additives, final weight was not significantly different among the treatment groups, tended to be high at T2 group (827kg) compared to the other groups. Average daily gain was not different among the treatment groups during the experimental periods, but T2 group was significantly greater than T1 group in growing stage (p<0.05). The feed additives had no effects on DMI during experimental periods. Feed conversion ratio of T1 group in growing stage was significantly higher than those of other groups (p<0.05), average feed conversion ratio was tend to be decreased at T2 group rather compared with other groups. In the results of yield traits, carcass weight were relatively higher in T2 group than other groups (p<0.05). Rib-eye area, back fat thickness and yield index were similar between groups. In quality traits, marbling, meat color, fat color, texture and maturity were not significantly different among the groups. In economic efficiency, income was highest at T2 group as 91~393 thousand won among 3 groups.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.442-450
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• 2015

Climate temperature affects animal production. This study was conducted to evaluate whether climatic conditions affect beef carcass characteristics of Korean cattle steers. The monthly carcass characteristics of Korean cattle steers (n = 2,182,415) for 8 yr (2006 through 2013) were collected from the Korean Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation. Daily climate temperature (CT) and relative humidity (RH) data were collected from the Korean Meteorological Administration. Weather conditions in South Korea during summer were hot and humid, with a maximum temperature of $28.4^{\circ}C$ and a maximum RH of 91.4%. The temperature-humidity index (THI), calculated based on CT and RH, ranges from 73 to 80 during summer. Winter in South Korea was cold, with a minimum temperature of $-4.0^{\circ}C$ and a wind-chill temperature of $-6.2^{\circ}C$. Both marbling score (MS) and quality grade (QG) of Korean cattle steer carcasses were generally best (p<0.05) in autumn and worst in spring. A correlation analysis showed that MS and QG frequencies were not associated (p>0.05) with CT. Yield grade (YG) of Korean cattle steer carcasses was lowest (p<0.05) in winter (November to January) and highest in spring and summer (May to September). A correlation analysis revealed that YG frequency was strongly correlated ($r{\geq}0.71$; p<0.01) with CT and THI values. The rib eye area, a positive YG parameter, was not associated with CT. Backfat thickness (BT), a negative YG factor, was highest in winter (November and December). The BT was strongly negatively correlated ($r{\leq}-0.74$; p<0.01) with CTs. Therefore, the poor YG during winter is likely due in part to the high BT. In conclusion, YG in Korean cattle steer carcasses was worst in winter. QGs were not associated with winter or summer climatic conditions.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.1449-1457
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• 2018

Objective: The objective was to evaluate feed intake, digestibility, body weight change and carcass characteristics of sheep fed a basal diet of hay supplemented with banana leaves and silver leaf desmodium. Methods: Thirty yearling lambs with an average initial body weight of $15.85{\pm}1.6kg$ were grouped into six blocks of five rams in each block. The treatments were: hay alone (T1), hay+100% banana leaf (T2), hay+67% banana leaf+33% desmodium leaf (T3), hay+33% banana leaf+67% desmodium leaf (T4), andhay+100% desmodium leaf (T5). Three hundred grams of treatment diets were offered daily on as fed basis. The feeding and digestibility trials lasted for 84 and 7 days, respectively, followed by carcass evaluation. Results: The total dry matter (DM) intake for T3, T4, and T5 were greater (p<0.05) than those fed T1 and T2 diets. The lowest (p<0.05) organic matter (OM) intake was recorded in rams reared on T1 diet. The total crude protein (CP) intake was in the following order: T5>T4>T3>T2>T1. Ram lambs receiving supplementary diets had higher (p<0.05) DM, OM, CP, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility compared with the control diet. The empty body weight and slaughter weight was highest (p<0.05) in rams receiving T3, T4, and T5 diets. The average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency was highest (p<0.05) in rams receiving the supplementary diets. The dressing percentage on the basis of hot carcass weight linearly increased with increasing levels of desmodium. Rams reared on supplementary diet had higher (p<0.05) rib eye area compared with the control diet. Conclusion: In conclusion, when banana leaf is used as a supplement to poor quality grass, better body weight gain was obtained when fed in combination with desmodium.

• 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.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.1227-1232
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• 2008

Carcass characteristics data of Hanwoo (N = 1,084) were collected from two stations of the National Livestock Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Korea and records from thirteen individual cow-calf operators were analyzed to estimate variance and covariance components and the effect of different slaughter endpoints. Carcass traits analyzed were cold carcass weight (CWT, kg), REA (rib eye area, cm2), back fat thickness (mm) and marbling score (1-7). Four different models were examined. All models included sex and contemporary group as fixed effects and the animal's direct genetic potential and environment as random effects. The first model fitted a linear covariate of age at slaughter. The second model fitted both linear and quadratic covariates of age at slaughter. The third model fitted a linear covariate of body weight at slaughter. The fourth model fitted both linear covariates of age at slaughter and body weight at slaughter. Variance components were estimated using the REML procedure with Gibb's sampler. Heritability estimate of CWT was in the range of 0.08-0.11 depending on the model applied. Heritability estimates of BF, REA and MS were in the ranges of 0.23-0.28, 0.19-0.26, and 0.44-0.45, respectively. Genetic correlations between CWT and BF, between CWT and REA, and between CWT and MS were in the ranges of -0.33 - -0.14, 0.73-0.84, and -0.01- 0.11, respectively. Genetic correlations between REA and BF, between MS and BF and between REA and MS were in the ranges of -0.82 ~ -0.72, 0.04~0.28 and -0.08 ~ -0.02, respectively. Variance and covariance components estimated varied by model with different slaughter endpoints. Body weight endpoint was more effective for direct selection in favor of yield traits and body weight endpoints affected more of the correlated response to selection for the traits of yield and quality of edible portion of beef.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.414-427
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• 2012

Carcass characteristics and meat quality traits as a function of endpoint months of slaughter age (26 vs 32 mon) and chiller ageing (1 vs 10 d) were evaluated for m. longissmus of 26 Hanwoo steers fed with commercial diets including whole crop barley silage. Totally twenty six Hanwoo steers for 6 mon of age that were fed until 26 mon of age constituted the short term-fed group and fed until 32 mon of age constituted long-term fed group. Carcasses were chilled for 24 h and were graded. Strip loin samples were divided into two age groups (1 d and 10 d). Long-term feeding increased carcass weight, rib-eye area, yield grade, marbling score, firmness and quality grade of the meat. The feeding for 32 mon produced tender, juicy meat (p<0.01) with lower cooking loss and higher rating score (p<0.05) than short term feeding, while other quality traits were not influenced by the length of feeding. Intramuscular fat content and oxidative stability (TBARS value) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in beef from long-term feeding however the length of feeding did not alter the fatty acid composition. Chiller aging reduced instrumental tenderness (WBSF value), improved color, sensory tenderness, acceptability and rating of beef. The results of the present study mirrors that Hanwoo steers until 32 mon of age overall improved carcass traits and palatability compared to that for 26 mon. However, from the viewpoints of economical and environmental aspects, cost of the additional feeding for 6 mon for value-adding of eating quality was relatively high and the effects in turn were limited.