• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.55 no.5
• /
• pp.405-416
• /
• 2013

This aim of this study was to estimate the most reasonable slaughter month for Hanwoo steers according to carcass traits. Carcass trait data on Hanwoo steers (17,249 head) were collected from October 2008 to September 2011. To measure the regression coefficients, Hanwoo steers were divided into two groups according to slaughter age: early (25 to 31 months) and late (32 to 38 months) groups. Regression coefficients of carcass traits according to slaughter age were significantly different (p<0.001) with the exception of PPKG (estimated auction price per 1 kg of carcass weight) in the early slaughter age group and MAR (marbling score, p<0.05) and PPKG (p<0.05) in the late slaughter age group. To obtain a positive gross margin, Hanwoo should be slaughtered at around 28 months of age.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.57 no.7
• /
• pp.24.1-24.5
• /
• 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and microbial quality of loin (m. longissimus dorsi) and top round (m. Semimembranosus) in Holstein veal produced from two slaughter age groups (5 and 8 months of age). A total of 20 Holstein calves were randomly selected from a local cattle farm. The slaughtered cold carcasses were vacuum-packaged. The samples were analyzed for proximate composition and physicochemical analyses and stored for 1, 7, 10, 20 and 30 days for microbiological analyses. Fat and protein contents of loin for the 8 month group were higher than those for the 5 month groups (p < 0.05). For both loin and top round muscles, the pH, cooking loss and the shear force values for the 5 month group was higher than those for the 8 month group (p < 0.05). On the other hands, the water-holding capacity (WHC) for the 8 month group was higher than those for the 5 month group (p < 0.05). In terms of meat color, CIE $L^*$ (lightness) for both muscle were higher in the 5 month group than in the 8 month groups. On the other hands, $a^*$ (redness) were higher in the 8 month group than in the 5 month groups (p < 0.05). Total aerobic counts in all samples remained up to 30 days at values less than 7 log CFU/g. However, there was no significant difference for both muscles between the two age groups. The results indicate that Holstein muscles from the 8 month group had desirable quality properties than those from the 5 month group.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.527-534
• /
• 2021

This study investigated the possibility of performing selection using 30-month carcass traits by estimating the genetic parameters of 24- and 30-month carcass traits. Data used in this study were the carcass traits of 13,151 heads slaughter at the age of 24 and 30 months. As a result of the study, the heritability of backfat thickness, carcass weight, eye muscle area and marbling score at 24 months of age were estimated to be 0.588, 0.354, 0.467 and 0.587, respectively. The heritability of backfat thickness, carcass weight, eye muscle area and marbling score at 30 months of age were estimated to be 0.498, 0.577, 0.505 and 0.530, respectively. The ranking correlation was 0.516 between the carcass selection indices of 24 and 30 months of age. By providing a 30-month selection index, it is possible to use semen suitable for farm profits, and more semen information can be provided to farms than previously. Furthermore, studies on a selection index based on 30-month carcass traits are needed to provide highly accurate information.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.47 no.5
• /
• pp.731-744
• /
• 2005

Ninety Hanwoo steers(initial BW=167.2$\pm$13.4kg) were used to determine the effect of energy concentrations in concentrates and slaughter age on performance, carcass characteristics. Steers were allotted by BW to one of eighteen pens. Eighteen pens were randomly allotted to a low(70-70-71-72% for the growing, the early, the middle or the late fattening periods), medium(70-71-72-73%) or high(70-72- 73-74%) TDN level of concentrates. Five steers for each treatment of energy level were slaughtered every one month from 26 month of age to 31 month of age. Concentrates was fed restrictedly to achieve a predicted gain of 0.7-0.9kg from growing stage to middle fattening stage. All steers were fed orchard grass(Dactylis glomerata L.) hay as roughage during the growing period, fed rice straw gradually substituted for orchard grass hay during the early fattening period, and fed rice straw only thereafter. Overall body weight and feed intake were not affected by TDN levels of concentrates. Average daily gain for all treatments was higher than 0.9kg/d during the 19-21 month of age and decrease thereafter, but sustained above 0.7kg/d. Mean concentrates intake for all treatments was 1.0-1.3% of live BW during the growing period and 1.5% during the early fattening. Thereafter, it decreased up to 1.4% during the middle fattening and 1.0% during late fattening period. Delay of slaughter end point resulted in a gradual increase of rib-eye area, back fat thickness and marbling score, especially after slaughter age of 29 month there was significant increases(P<0.05). The appearance rate of 1+ and 1 grade related to the slaughter ages was 100% at 29, 30 and 31 months of age, whereas those at 26, 27 and 28 months were 93, 86 and 80%, respectively. Dressing rate was significantly(P<0.05) increased and rate of retailed cut weight significantly(P<0.05) decreased when slaughter age increased. In economic analysis, there was pronounced increase in net income up to 32-46% after slaughter age of 29 months. Under the conditions of this study, high TDN intake is not necessarily required for high quality Hanwoo meat production and slaughter age of 29 month might be the optimum for Hanwoo steers.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.41-50
• /
• 2007

Data from a comparative slaughter experiment with two hundreds of Korean native (Hanwoo) beef steers were utilized to determine net energy and protein requirements for growth (NEg and NPg). Eight randomly selected steers were used in the initial slaughter group of 6 month of age and the remaining steers allocated to treatments within two groups. The restricted groups were fed 1.2 to 1.5% concentrate per kg body weight (BW) in the growing period (6～12 month of age), 1.7 to 1.8% concentrate per kg BW in the early fattening period (13～18 month of age), and concentrate feed ad libitum in the late fattening period (19～30 month of age). Ad libitum groups were fed concentrate ad libitum through the whole period. Rice straw was offered ad libitum for 24 month of two feeding systems. The steers were slaughtered when animals reached every 2 month from 8 to 30 month of age. For all body composition determinations, whole empty body components were weighed, taken each proportional subsample was ground for chemical analysis. Equations developed with the pooled data to predicted NEg and NPg were similar to the equations of Japanese Feeding Standard for Beef Cattle (2000). First equations were developed to predicted NEg; NEg = 0.05332×LBW0.75×DG for restricted treatment and NEg = 0.04912×LBW0.75×DG for ad libitum treatment. Second equations were developed to predicted NPg; NPg = DG × (224.7－0.251×LBW) for restricted treatment and NPg=DG×(210.1－0.214×LBW) for ad libitum treatment.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.424-431
• /
• 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of short road transportation in an open truck during hot season on live weight shrink, physiological responses, and carcass and meat quality of Omani sheep at 6 and 12 months of age. Thirty-six male sheep, 18 of each age group, were used. Age groups were assigned randomly to transported and not-transported groups. The transported group was transported to the slaughterhouse the day of slaughter in an open truck covering a distance of approximately 100 km. The average temperature during transportation was $37^{\circ}C$. The not-transported group was kept in a lairage of a commercial slaughterhouse with ad libitum feed and water for 48 h prior to slaughter. Blood samples were collected from sheep before loading and prior to slaughter via jugular venipuncture to assess their physiological response to transport in relation to hormonal levels. Animals were weighed just before loading onto a truck and after transport to assess shrinkage. Muscle ultimate pH, expressed juice, cooking loss percentage, WB-shear force value, sarcomere length and colour L*, a*, b* were measured on samples from longissimus dorsi, biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles collected at 24 h postmortem at $1-3^{\circ}C$. Live weight shrinkage losses were 1.09 and 1.52 kg for 6 and 12 month transported sheep, respectively. The transported sheep had significantly (p<0.05) higher cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine concentration levels prior to slaughter at both ages than the not-transported sheep. Transportation significantly influenced meat quality characteristics of three muscles. Muscle ultimate pH and shear force values were significantly higher, while CIE L*, a*, b*, expressed juice and cooking loss were lower in transported than not-transported sheep. Age had a significant effect on meat quality characteristics of Omani sheep. These results indicated that short-term pre-slaughter transport at high ambient temperatures can cause noticeable changes in physiological and muscle metabolism responses in sheep.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.603-611
• /
• 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the contribution factors (backfat thickness, eye muscle area, carcass weight, marbling score, and feeding period) affecting meat unit price (South-Korean Won / Kg of meat). The best slaughtering age to maximize unit price was also assumed. All data used in this study were acquired from the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation from 2010 to 2014. Contributions to the estimated unit price of cows by the following factors, backfat thickness, eye muscle area, carcass weights, feeding period, and marbling score were 2.65%, 0.04%, 1.58%, 1.58%, and 95.72%, respectively. Contribution to estimated unit price of steers by the same factors (backfat thickness, eye muscle area, carcass weights, feeding period, and marbling score) were 7.88%, 1.24%, 0.07%, 90.81%, and 95.72%, respectively. Slaughtering ages ranged from 26 to 36 months and the data were separated into each month for an 11 month period. The unit price of meat from Hanwoo slaughtered at 30 months was highest among groups. The lowest unit price was observed in the group belonging to the Hanwoo slaughtered at 36 months. In conclusion, of all contributing factors, marbling score affected unit price the most. Based on our results, it is recommended that the optimal slaughtering age be set at 30 months to maximize unit price. Moreover, the feeding of beef cattle past 30 months of age is not recommended because of the increase in feeding costs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.770-777
• /
• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to determine early hereditary endowment to establish a short-term feeding program. Methods: Hanwoo steers (n = 140) were equally distributed into four groups (35/group) based on genetic meat yield index (MYI) viz. the greatest, great, low, and the lowest at Jukam Hanwoo farm, Goheung. All animals were fed in group pens (5 animals/pen) with similar feed depending on the growth stage. Rice straw was provided ad libitum, whereas concentrate was fed at 5.71 kg during the growing period (6 to 13 mo) and 9.4 kg during the fattening period (13 to 28 mo). Body weight (BW) was measured at two-month intervals, whereas carcass weight was determined at slaughtering at about 31 months of age. The Affymetrix Bovine Axiom Array 640K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip was used to determine the meat quantity-related gene in the blood. Results: After 6 months, the highest (p<0.05) BW was observed in the greatest MYI group (190.77 kg) and the lowest (p<0.05) in the lowest MYI group (173.51 kg). The great MYI group also showed significantly (p<0.05) higher BW than the lowest MYI group. After 16 and 24 months, the greatest MYI group had the highest BW gain (p<0.05) and were therefore slaughtered the earliest. Carcass weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the greatest and the great MYI groups followed by the low and the lowest MYI groups. Back-fat thickness in the greatest MYI group was highly correlated to carcass weight and marbling score. The SNP array analysis identified the carcass-weight related gene BTB-01280026 with an additive effect. The steers with the allele increasing carcass weight had heavier slaughter weight of about 12 kg. Conclusion: Genetic MYI is a potential tool for calf selection, which will reduce the slaughter age while simultaneously increasing carcass weight, back-fat thickness, and marbling score.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.65 no.6
• /
• pp.1214-1225
• /
• 2023

We investigated the effect of energy levels on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of Holstein steers at different slaughter ages. Forty Holstein steers with an average body weight (BW) of 234.21 ± 7.42 kg and 7.78 ± 0.22 months were randomly allocated to two experimental groups; a 22-month-old experimental group and a 24-month-old experimental group. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) for each group were set to 70% (T1) and 72% (T2) during fattening phase and 74% (T3) and 76% (T4) for the finishing phase, respectively. No difference was observed in the final BW between the experimental groups during the fattening phase. However, in the finishing phase, the final BW of T4 (820.31 kg) group was significantly higher than that of T1 (745.57 kg; p < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) of T2 group in the finishing phase and overall period were 1.27 kg and 1.26 kg, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of T1 (1.11 kg and 1.12 kg; p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and TDN conversion ratio of T2 group in the finishing phase also decreased by 10.23% and 7.73%, respectively, compared to those of T1. The cold carcass weight of T4 group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of T1, whereas back fat thickness, longissimus area, and marbling score were not significantly different among groups. No differences were observed in physicochemical characteristics of the carcass including moisture, crude protein, and crude fat content among groups. However, the composition of fatty acids differed significantly between the groups. The content of C18:0 was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in T4 than in T1 group, and the content of C18:2 was higher in T4 than in T1 and T3 (p < 0.05). Therefore, feeding Holstein steers at a high-energy feeding level during the fattening and finishing phases improves ADG and reduces the slaughter age from 24 months to 22 months.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.507-521
• /
• 2021

The livestock farmers are producing under uncertainties such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The purpose of this study is to strengthen the management capabilities of Hanwoo farmers to prepare them for the uncertainties just mentioned. To this end, this study was conducted to find the optimal rearing period in order to reduce the feed cost, which accounts for the largest portion of the operation cost of Hanwoo. Using the universal lattice model, 41,139 of 289,000 Hanwoo slaughter data from 2010 to 2019 were used for the FMD period and 246,605 heads for the general period. The results show that the maximum cutoff price of Hanwoo steer is 6,394,457 won at the 4th week of 27 months of age in general period, where as 6,242,752 won at the 2nd week of 26 months of age in the FMD period. Therefore, it is judged that it will be helpful for Hanwoo farms to maximize their business profits by slaughtering one month and two weeks earlier in the FMD period than in the general period. In addition, Hanwoo farmers need to break away from the conventional rearing method and improve their management efficiency through a more flexible rearing method.