• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.1442-1448
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• 2018

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL) supplementation on growth performance and blood and carcass characteristics in Hanwoo steers during the early fattening period. Methods: Sixty Hanwoo steers (average body weight, $333{\pm}36.4kg$) were randomly allotted to 3 treatments, with twenty steers per treatment, and ten steers per pen with a size of $80m^2$. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; treatment (TRT) 0.5, 0.5% down-spec of TDN with 0.1% SSL; TRT 1.0, 1.0% down-spec of TDN with 0.1% SSL. Results: The results demonstrated that average daily gain and feed efficiency increased with TRT 0.5 (0.85 kg and 11.68) vs CON (0.82 kg and 11.27) or TRT 1.0 (0.78 kg and 10.74), indicating that 0.1% SSL supplementation in the feed of early fattening steers may result in a saving of 0.5% TDN. No significant differences were observed amongst all treatments (p>0.05) for blood metabolite concentration and blood corpuscle values, which were all within the normally accepted range for healthy steers. Conclusion: Our study suggests that a TDN 0.5% down spec with 0.1% SSL supplemented feed may be effective and profitable for the early fattening period of Hanwoo steers without causing adverse effects.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.871-880
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• 1999

The effects of dry roasting (110, 130, $150^{\circ}C$ for 15, 30, 45 min) on potential ruminant protein nutritional values in terms of: a), rumen bypass protein (BCP); b), rumen bypass starch (BST); c), fermented organic matter (FOM); d), true absorbed bypass protein (ABCP); e) microbial protein synthesized in the rumen based on available energy (E_MP); f), microbial protein synthesized in the rumen based on available nitrogen (N_MP); g), true protein supplied to the small intestine (TPSI); h), true absorbed rumen synthesized microbial protein (AMP); i), endogenous protein losses (ENDP); j), true digested protein in the small intestine (DVE); k), degraded protein balance (OEB) of whole lupin seeds (WLS) and faba beans (WFB) were evaluated by the new Dutch DV/OEB protein evaluation system. Dry roasting significantly increased BCP, BST, TPSI, ABCP, DVE (p<0.001) and decreased FOM, E_MP, AMP, N_MP and OEB (p<0.001) with increasing temperatures and times except that when temperature was at $110^{\circ}C$. The values of BCP, BST, TPSI, ABCP and DVE at $150^{\circ}C/45min$ for WLS and WFB were increased 2.2, 3.7; -, 2.0; 1.7, 1.7; 2.3, 3.7 and 1.7, 1.7 times and the values of FOM, E_MP, AMP, N_MP and OEB at $150^{\circ}C/45min$ for WLS and WFB were decreased by 15.3, 25.8; 18.1, 25.8; 18.7, 25.8; 54.6, 41.6 and 82.3% 54.7%, respectively, over the raw WLS and WFB. The results indicated that though dry roasting reduced microbial protein synthesis due to reducing FOM, TPSI didn't decrease but highly increased due to increasing BCP more than enough for compensation of the microbial protein decreasing. Therefore the net absorbable DVE in the small intestine was highly increased. The OEB values were significantly reduced for both WLS and WFB but not to the level of negative. It indicated that microbial protein synthesis might not be impaired due to the sufficient N supplied in the rumen, but the high positive OEB values in the most treatments except of $150^{\circ}C$ for 30 and 45 min of WLS (The OEB values: 54.8 and 26.0 g/kg DM) indicated that there were the large amounts of N loss in the rumen. It was concluded that dry roasting at high temperature was effective in shifting protein degradation from rumen to intestines and it increased the DVE values without reaching the negative OEB values. No optimal treatment was found in WLS due to the too high OEB values in all treatments. But dry roasting at $150^{\circ}C$ for 30 and 45 min might be optimal treatments for WLS due to the very lower OEB values.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.79-85
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• 1997

Cage layer waste and sudex grass were ensiled in the proportions of 0:100, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50 wet basis, respectively. The influence of ensiling cage layer waste on Salmonellae, Shigella, Proteus, and total number of colony forming units (CFU) was investigated. The nutritive value of the silages was evaluated in a digestion trial. The experiment was conducted with 24 wethers allotted to four silages. Initial samples of cage layer waste showed $0.11{\times}10^6$ CFU and salmonellae, Shigella and Proteus were present. Ensiling was effective in complete elimination of all the pathogens. Dry matter, crude protein and ash contents were increased linearly (p < .01) with the increase of cage layer waste in the silages ($358g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ to $484g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$; $76.3g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ to $183.2g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ and $38.5g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ to $169.4g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$; DM basis, respectively). Water solubles carbohydrate values for silages were 38.3, 22.5, 20.1 and $20.0g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ DM basis, respectively. Ensiling decreased the pH values for all the silages and the decrease was higher for sudex grass ensiled alone than grass ensiled with cage layer waste. Lactic acid concentration in silages increased linearly (p < .01) with the increase of cage layer waste. The apparent digestibilities of DM, OM and CP for the animals fed sudex grass silage alone were 496.0, 516.1, $496.7g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ DM basis respectively. However, digestibilities of all the components were higher (p < 0.01) for the animals fed silages containing cage layer waste. Among waste containing diets, the digestibilities of all the components showed quadratic affect (p < 0.01), increased for silages containing 30 and 40% cage layer waste and decreased when the level of waste increased from 40 to 50%. The results indicated that cage layer waste can be used upto 40% in ruminant diet as a source of N without any adverse effect on the health of animals. Ensiling appeared to be feasible and effective method for eliminating the pathogen present in cage layer waste.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.806-811
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• 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of plant extracts on methanogenesis and rumen microbial diversity in in vitro. Plant extracts (Artemisia princeps var. Orientalis; Wormwood, Allium sativum for. Pekinense; Garlic, Allium cepa; Onion, Zingiber officinale; Ginger, Citrus unshiu; Mandarin orange, Lonicera japonica; Honeysuckle) were obtained from the Plant Extract Bank at Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology. The rumen fluid was collected before morning feeding from a fistulated Holstein cow fed timothy and commercial concentrate (TDN; 73.5%, crude protein; 19%, crude fat; 3%, crude fiber; 12%, crude ash; 10%, Ca; 0.8%, P; 1.2%) in the ratio of 3 to 2. The 30 ml of mixture, comprising McDougall buffer and rumen liquor in the ratio of 4 to 1, was dispensed anaerobically into serum bottles containing 0.3 g of timothy substrate and plant extracts (1% of total volume, respectively) filled with $O_2$-free $N_2$ gas and capped with a rubber stopper. The serum bottles were held in a shaking incubator at $39^{\circ}C$ for 24 h. Total gas production in all plant extracts was higher (p<0.05) than that of the control, and total gas production of ginger extract was highest (p<0.05). The methane emission was highest (p<0.05) at control, but lowest (p<0.05) at garlic extract which was reduced to about 20% of methane emission (40.2 vs 32.5 ml/g DM). Other plant extracts also resulted in a decrease in methane emissions (wormwood; 8%, onion; 16%, ginger; 16.7%, mandarin orange; 12%, honeysuckle; 12.2%). Total VFAs concentration and pH were not influenced by the addition of plant extracts. Acetate to propionate ratios from garlic and ginger extracts addition samples were lower (p<0.05, 3.36 and 3.38 vs 3.53) than that of the control. Real-time PCR indicted that the ciliate-associated methanogen population in all added plant extracts decreased more than that of the control, while the fibrolytic bacteria population increased. In particular, the F. succinogens community in added wormwood, garlic, mandarin orange and honeysuckle extracts increased more than that of the others. The addition of onion extract increased R. albus diversity, while other extracts did not influence the R. albus community. The R. flavefaciens population in added wormwood and garlic extracts decreased, while other extracts increased its abundance compared to the control. In conclusion, the results indicated that the plant extracts used in the experiment could be promising feed additives to decrease methane gas emission from ruminant animals while improving ruminal fermentation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.1424-1436
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of banana flower powder (BAFLOP) supplementation on gas production kinetics and rumen fermentation efficiency in in vitro incubation with different ratios of roughage to concentrate in swamp buffalo and cattle rumen fluid. Two male, rumen fistulated dairy steers and swamp buffaloes were used as rumen fluid donors. The treatments were arranged according to a $2{\times}2{\times}3$ factorial arrangement in a Completely randomized design by using two ratios of roughage to concentrate (R:C; 75:25 and 25:75) and 3 levels of BAFLOP supplementation (0, 2 and 4% of dietary substrate) into two different kinds of rumen fluid (beef cattle and swamp buffalo). Under this investigation, the results revealed that the rumen ecology was affected by R:C ratio. The pH declined as a result of using high concentrate ratio; however, supplementation of BAFLOP could buffer the pH which led to an improvement of ruminal efficiency. BAFLOP supplementation affected acetic acid (C2) when the proportion of concentrate was increased. However, there were no effect on total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and butyric acid (C4) by BAFLOP supplementation. The microbial community was affected by BAFLOP supplementation, especially the bacterial population. As revealed by real-time PCR, the populations of F. succinogenes and R. albus were reduced by the high concentrate treatments while that of R. flavafaciens were increased. The populations of three dominant cellulolytic bacteria were enhanced by BAFLOP supplementation, especially on high concentrate diet. BAFLOP supplementation did not influence the ammonia nitrogen ($NH_3$-N) concentration, while R:C did. In addition, the in vitro digestibility was improved by either R:C or BAFLOP supplementation. The BAFLOP supplementation showed an effect on gas production kinetics, except for the gas production rate constant for the insoluble fraction (c), while treatments with high concentrate ratio resulted in the highest values. In addition, BAFLOP tended to increase gas production. Based on this study, it could be concluded that R:C had an effect on rumen ecology both in buffalo and cattle rumen fluid and hence, BAFLOP could be used as a rumen buffering agent for enhancing rumen ecology fed on high concentrate diet. It is recommended that level of BAFLOP supplementation should be at 2 to 4% of total dry matter of substrate. However, in vivo trials should be subsequently conducted to investigate the effect of BAFLOP in high concentrate diets on rumen ecology as well as ruminant production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.355-362
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• 2017

Objective: The use of locally produced forage (LPF) in cattle production has economic and environmental advantages over imported forage. The objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional value of LPF commonly used in Korea. Differences in ruminal fermentation characteristics were also examined for the LPF species commonly produced from two major production regions: Chungcheong and Jeolla. Methods: Ten LPF (five from each of the two regions) and six of the most widely used imported forages originating from North America were obtained at least three times throughout a year. Each forage species was pooled and analyzed for nutrient content using detailed chemical analysis. Ruminal fermentation characteristics were also determined by in vitro anaerobic incubations using strained rumen fluid for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. At each incubation time, total gas, pH, ammonia, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were measured. By fitting an exponential model, gas production kinetics were obtained. Results: Significant differences were found in the non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) content among the forage species and the regions (p<0.01). No nutrient, other than NFC, showed significant differences among the regions. Crude protein, NFC, and acid detergent lignin significantly differed by forage species. The amount of acid detergent insoluble protein tended to differ among the forages. The forages produced in Chungcheong had a higher amount of NFC than that in Jeolla (p<0.05). There were differences in ruminal fermentation of LPF between the two regions and interactions between regions and forage species were also significant (p<0.05). The pH following a 48-h ruminal fermentation was lower in the forages from Chungcheong than from Jeolla (p<0.01), and total VFA concentration was higher in Chungcheong than in Jeolla (p = 0.05). This implies that fermentation was more active with the forages from Chungcheong than from Jeolla. Analysis of gas production profiles showed the rate of fermentation differed among forage species (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the nutritional values of some LPF (i.e., corn silage and Italian ryegrass) are comparable to those of imported forages widely used in Korea. This study also indicated that the nutritional value of LPF differs by origin, as well as by forage species. Detailed analyses of nutrient composition and digestion kinetics of LPF should be routinely employed to evaluate the correct nutritional value of LPF and to increase their use in the field.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.529-536
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• 2018

Objective: Fresh sugarcane has been a new roughage source for ruminant's in semiarid regions, a function of the decline of sugar and alcohol industry in recent years. However, there is little data published regarding lambs fed sugarcane associated with spineless cactus. This study evaluated the effect of sugarcane replacement with spineless cactus (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) in the diet of Santa $In\hat{e}s$ lambs on carcass characteristics. Methods: Thirty-six non-castrated Santa Ines lambs at four months of age and an initial body weight of $22{\pm}2.3kg$ were assigned in a randomized block design and slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. The effects of spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane in the diet of the lambs on the carcass characteristics, commercial cut weight and yield, leg tissue composition, and carcass measurements were studied. Results: The study revealed quadratic behavior in slaughter body weight, and hot and cold carcass weight, with maximum values of 38.60, 18.60, and 18.11 kg and replacement levels of 40.18%, 44.42%, and 43.14%, respectively. The cold carcass yield presented an increasing linear behavior. The compactness index of carcass and leg presented a quadratic effect, with estimated maximal values of 0.28 and 0.57 kg/cm and replacement levels of 43.37% and 45.5%, respectively. The weights of commercial cuts of leg, loin, shoulder, and breast showed quadratic behavior, with maximum values of 2.79, 0.852, 1.46, and 1.30 kg and replacement levels of 49.5, 45.32, 39.0, and 40.7, respectively. For tissue composition, quadratic behavior was verified for leg weight, subcutaneous fat, and total fat. Conclusion: The replacement of sugarcane by spineless cactus at level 44% is recommended for finishing lambs considering that this level improved most of the carcass characteristics, weights, and yields of commercial cuts and leg tissue composition.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1486-1494
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• 2017

Objective: This research analyzed behavioral characteristics of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steers during each season and growth stage to enable measurement of the animals' welfare level for precision livestock farming. Methods: A hundred-eight beef steers were divided into three equal groups at a Hanwoo farm according to their growth stage: growing stage (GS), 8 months; early-fattening stage (EFS), 19 months; and late-fattening stage (LFS), 30 months. Twelve behavioral categories were continuously recorded for 13 day-time hours in each four seasons with three replications. Results: Time spent standing was found to be significantly longer in summer at all growth stages (p<0.05). Hanwoos at the GS spent significantly longer standing time in spring and summer than those at the EFS and LFS (p<0.05). Lying time in summer was the shortest for all growth stages (p<0.05). Steers at the LFS spent significantly longer lying time than that at the GS (p<0.05) in summer. For GS and EFS, time spent eating in spring and autumn were longer than in summer and winter (p<0.05). Eating time was the longest for the GS in spring, autumn, and winter, excluding for the LFS in winter (p<0.05). Regarding ruminating, steers at the LFS spent significantly shorter time than those at other stages in all seasons (p<0.05). GS and EFS steers showed the longest walking time in summer compared with other seasons (p<0.05). At GS and LFS, drinking time in summer was the longest of all seasons (p<0.05). Sleeping time was significantly shorter in summer compared with the other seasons (p<0.05). Self-grooming time was the longest in winter for all growth stages (p<0.05). Conclusion: Steers were found to have more variable behavioral patterns during summer and the GS and less active behaviors during the LFS, thus extra care seems necessary during the GS, LFS, and summer period.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1388-1395
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• 2017

Objective: Using medicinal plant by-products (MPBP) as feed additives may be an eco-friendly option as substitutes for feedstuffs and may assist in reducing the improper disposal of MPBP. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the influences of MPBP on the meat quality of Hanwoo steers fed a total mixed ration (TMR). Methods: Twenty seven steers (body weight = $573{\pm}57kg$) were randomly divided into three treatments with a control group and two tested groups as follows: control, 1,000 g/kg TMR; treatment 1 (MPBP30), 970 g/kg TMR and 30 g/kg MPBP; treatment 2 (MPBP50), 950 g/kg TMR and 50 g/kg MPBP. Results: Average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage $L^*$ of muscle were improved (p<0.05, respectively) by MPBP30. Stearic acid ($C_{18:0}$) was decreased (linear effect, p = 0.012), while oleic acid ($C_{18:1}$) was increased (linear effect, p = 0.055) by MPBP level. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were decreased for MPBP50 while unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) were increased for MPBP 50. USFA and SFA ratio was increased for MPBP50 as well. Conclusion: These results indicated that MPBP supplementation in Hanwoo steers fed a TMR increased feed efficiency and meat color (lightness) with altering fatty acid proportions. Therefore, MPBP may be successfully used in ruminant feeding.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.71-79
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• 2018

Objective: Gelidium amansii (Lamouroux) is a red alga belonging to the family Gelidaceae and is commonly found in the shallow coasts of many East Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. G. amansii has traditionally been utilized as an edible alga, and has various biological activities. The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary supplementation of G. amansii could be useful for improving ruminal fermentation. Methods: As assessed by in vitro fermentation parameters such as pH, total gas, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, gas profile (methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and ammonia), and microbial growth rate was compared to a basal diet with timothy hay. Cannulated Holstein cows were used as rumen fluid donors and 15 mL rumen fluid: buffer (1:2) was incubated for up to 72 h with four treatments with three replicates. The treatments were: control (timothy only), basal diet with 1% G. amansii extract, basal diet with 3% G. amansii extract, and basal diet with 5% G. amansii extract. Results: Overall, the results of our study indicate that G. amansii supplementation is potentially useful for improving ruminant growth performance, via increased total gas and VFA production, but does come with some undesirable effects, such as increasing pH, ammonia concentration, and methane production. In particular, real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that the methanogenic archaea and Fibrobacter succinogenes populations were significantly reduced, while the Ruminococcus flavefaciens populations were significantly increased at 24 h, when supplemented with G. amansii extracts as compared with controls. Conclusion: More research is required to elucidate what G. amansii supplementation can do to improve growth performance, and its effect on methane production in ruminants.