Given the recent increases in feed cost, the demand for rice straw has been increasing on dairy farms because it is cheaper than expensive imported forages. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effect of rice straw feeding on the growth and productivity of dairy heifers. This study compared how feeding tall fescue and rice straw affects the growth, age at first calving, and feed cost of heifers. we compared the growth, age at first calving, and feed cost for each group during the breeding period. Body height was higher in the tall fescue-fed group than in the rice straw-fed group (p<0.05). The length of the growing stage was significantly shorter in the tall fescue group than in the rice straw group (p<0.001) and the age at calving also showed a significant reduction in the tall fescue group compared to the rice straw group (p<0.001). However, the feed cost was lower in the rice straw group because of the difference in the unit price of forage (p<0.001). Based on these results, during the growing period, the rice straw group had delays in growth and the age at first calving compared to the tall fescue group, but also had reduced feed costs in the short term.

This study was conducted to improve growth performance of Hanwoo heifer and to produce high quality of meat with dietary means during growing and early fattening period. Particularly, additional energy diet to relieve estrus stress was main purpose in this study. The results of in vitro rumen fermentation indicated that there was no negative effect by additional energy diet as treatments. In the feeding trial, twenty Hanwoo heifers(average 10 months age) were allocated and distributed into two treatments in randomized block design based on body weight. There were three growth stages such as growing, early fattening and late fattening periods in this feeding program, respectively. In growing stage, there were two treatments consisting of only total mixed ration(TMR) as a control and TMR with additional energy treatment. The experimental diets were fed twice a day, and water and mineral were freely accessed. In additional energy treatment, 500 g of concentrate diet was fed daily to relieve estrus stress due to obese with high energy intake. Not outstandingly differences were found across the treatments during entiretrial period. While, unexpectedly greater feed conversion ratio in treatment compared to the control was found during late fattening period. It seems that the blood cortisol decreased with addition energy supplementation compared with the control during trail period. Carcass characteristics including carcass weight, back fat thickness, marbling score, meat color, fat color, maturity and texture were not significantly different each other. Rib-eye area, however, was greater in the control compared to the treatment(p<0.05). In addition, it appears that yield index was tended to be greater in the control. In conclusion, it is suggested that additional energy supplementation to Hanwoo heifer could get a potential in improving meat quality and relieving estrus stress.

본 연구는 한우 암소비육에 있어서 고 에너지의 육성용 TMR(TDN 72.7%DM, CP 13.65%DM)을 육성기(8~12개월령) 및 비육기(13~24개월령)까지는 제한급여하고, 이후 비육 마무리기(25~32개월령)까지 자유 채식시켰을 때, 증체수준, 도체특성 및 경제성에 미치는 영향을 구명하고자 수행되었다. 공시축은 한우 암소 35두(8개월령)를 이용하여 Control구(5두), T1(10두), T2(10두) 및 T3(10두)구로 나누어 난괴법으로 배치하였다. 공시사료는 전기간 동일한 육성용 TMR을 Control구에서는 자유채식 시켰고, T1, T2, T3구에서는 각각 체중의 1.8%, 1.6% 및 1.5%로 제한하여 24개월령까지 급여하였다. 한우 암소의 체중은 비육마무리기간에서 Control구에 비해 T1, T2 및 T3 처리구가 각각 4.9%, 3.6% 및 2.5% 높은 것으로 나타났다 (p<0.05). 일일증체량은 육성기에는 Control구와 T1구가 다른 처리구에 비해 높았으며(p<0.05), 비육마무리기의 T1 처리구가 다른 처리구에 비해 높았다(p<0.05). 건물섭취량과 TDN 섭취량은 비육마무리기간에서 T1구가 가장 높았다(p<0.05). 고 에너지의 육성우용 TMR을 전 기간동안 급여함으로써 도체중과 배최장근 단면적이 일반적인 한우 암소비육 결과에 비해 현저히 증가되었다. 처리구별 도체중은 Control구에 비해 T1구가 약 11.6% 많았으며(p<0.05), 지방색과 성숙도는 Control구에서 높았다(p<0.05). 근내지방도, 육색 및 조직감은 처리구간 유의적 차이는 없었으나, 육량등급 출현율에 있어서는 Control구에서 A등급이 60%로서 다른 처리구에 비해 높았다. 육질등급에서 1++ 등급 출현율은 Control, T1, T2 및 T3구에서 각각 0%, 20%, 20% 및 0%로 나타났다. 순수익은 Control구에 비해 T1과 T2구가 각각 15% 및 13% 증가되었으나 T3구는 2% 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 결론적으로, 한우 미경산우 비육 시, 고에너지의 육성용 사료를 육성기부터 비육기(13~24개월령)까지 체중의 1.8% 수준으로 제한 급여하는 것이 전 기간 동안 자유채식시키는 것보다 도체중이나 육질등급 증가로 경제성이 향상되어 한우암소 고급육생산 프로그램 개발에 활용할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

본 연구는 Holstein 암소 34두로부터 조사된 체고 측정 기록에 대해 세 가지 비선형 성장곡선을 적용하여 성장모형을 추정하고, 추정된 성장모형의 모수를 이용하여 Holstein 암소의 성장특성에 대한 기초자료를 제공하고자 실시하였다. Gompertz, von Bertalanffy 및 Logistic 모형으로 추정된 성장곡선 함수식은 각각 Ht=457.2e-1.705e-0.02552t, Ht=465.4(1-0.417e-0.0.01724t)3 및 Ht=1079.1(1+12.682e-0.04275t)-1이였다. 최대성장시기를 나타내는 변곡점( )은 Gompertz, von Bertalanffy 및 Logistic에 대해 각각 616.039, 419.253 및 1759.728일로 추정되었다. 변곡점에서의 체고 증가속도 추정치는 Gompertz, von Bertalanffy 및 Logistic에 대해 각각 0.138, 0.109 및 0.366cm으로 나타났으며, 변곡점에서의 체고는 각각 176.5, 137.9 및 539.5cm으로 추정되었다. 오차 평균 제곱합의 결과를 보면 Logistic, von Bertalanffy 그리고 Gompertz 모형 순으로 적합도가 좋은 것으로 판단된다.

임신 전 젖소의 육성기 후반에 있어서 적정한 에너지와 단백질 급여 관리는 개체의 성장과 분만 후 유생산에 영향을 미친다. 본 연구는 육성기 후반의 적정 TDN:CP 비율을 결정하기 위하여 생후 15개월 령에 5.0:1(T1), 4.5:1(T2) 및 4.0:1(T3)의 비율로 급여하여 체중, 사료섭취량 및 혈액조성에 대하여 조 사하였다. 건물섭취량은 평균 8.07kg/day로 TDN: CP 비율에 관계없이 유사하였다. 단백질 섭취량은 TDN:CP 비율이 낮아짐에 따라 각각 1.45, 1.29 및 1.17kg/day로 감소하였으나 유의적 차이를 보이지 않았다. 증체량은 4.0:1 비율구가 유의적으로 가장 많이 증가하였으며, 평균 일당증체량도 0.74kg/day 로 가장 높게 나타났다(p<0.05). 60일 이후 모든 처리구의 일당증체량이 권장 수준을 충족하였으나, 4.0:1 비율구(1.28kg/day)에서 과잉 체지방 축적이 될 수 있는 수준이기 때문에 임신 및 번식과 관련하 여 주의해야 한다. 육성우 15~18개월령에서 상기의 모든 TDN:CP 비율은 혈액 조성에 큰 영향을 미치 지 않았다. 체중과 출산 및 비유 등을 고려했을 경우 4.5:1에서 5.0:1의 비율이 적합하고, 출산 시기가 가까울수록 에너지 단백질 비율을 5.0:1까지 높여주는 것이 바람직할 것으로 판단되었다.

This study was designed to investigate the carryover effects of high-forage to concentrate (F: C) diet in bred heifers on feed intake, feed efficiency (FE) and milk production of primiparous lactating Holstein cows. The experiment was conducted for 589 days (d) from onset of pregnancy through to the end of first lactation. Twenty-four bred heifers (Body weight: BW= 345.8 ± 45.4 kg and 15 ± 1.2 mon of age) randomly assigned to two groups of 3 pens containing 4 heifers each and fed high forage (HF) diet with F: C ratio of 91.7: 8.3% and low forage (LF) diet with F: C ratio of 77.8: 22.2% throughout the pregnancy period. After calving, lactating cows were fed total mixed ration (TMR) based diet. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in dry matter intake (DMI) of bred heifers and primiparous lactating cows in both HF and LF groups. The FE of mid-to-late lactation period was higher (p< 0.05) in HF than LF group. However, the HF group showed higher (p < 0.05) milk yield, 4 % fat corrected milk (FCM) and energy corrected milk (ECM) than LF group during the 305 d lactation. The LF group showed higher (p < 0.05) milk fat, crude protein (CP), milk urea nitrogen (MUN), solid not fat (SNF) and somatic cell count (SCC) than HF group. It is concluded that restriction of F: C ratio to 91.7: 8.3% to bred heifers has the potential carryover effects to maintain higher milk yield and FE with no adverse effect on feed intake and milk composition of primiparous lactating Holstein cows.

본 연구는 grooming brush의 제공에 따른 한우 암소 육성우의 사양성적, 행동특성, 혈액 내 cortisol 및 혈액성상의 변화를 조사하였다. 6개월령의 암소 육성우(110.63±12.23kg) 32두를 32m2 우방에서 대조 구(non grooming brush), 처리구 1(Chevron angle type grooming brush, CHAT), 처리구 2(Straight type grooming brush, ST) 및 처리구 3(Chevron angle type and Straight type grooming brush, CHAST)으로 처리당 4두씩, 4처리 2반복으로 완전임의 배치하여, 2주간 예비시험 후 8개월간 본 시험 을 실시하였다. 시험결과 grooming brush 제공에 따른 사양성적으로 종료 시 체중과 일당증체량에서 는 대조구 대비 처리구에서 유의적(p<0.05)으로 증가하였고, 사료요구율에서는 대조구에서 가장 낮은 사양성적을 보였다(p<0.05). 행동특성 중 횡화 및 걷기시간은 대조구 대비 grooming brush를 제공한 모든 처리구에 유의적으로 높게 나타났다(p<0.05). 음수행동의 빈도는 처리구 3에서 유의적(p<0.05)으 로 증가하였다. 또한, 몸단장행동인 자기몸 핥기, brushing 행동과 투쟁행동은 대조구에서 다른 처리구 에 비해 유의적으로 증가하였다(p<0.05). 혈액성상에서 헤모글로빈수치는 처리구에서 유의적(p<0.05) 으로 높았고, 스트레스 호르몬인 cortisol 농도는 대조구에서 유의적(p<0.05)으로 높은 수치를 보였다. 따라서, grooming brush 제공에 따른 한우 육성 성적, 행동특성 그리고 혈액 내 cortisol의 변화는 집 단생활을 하는 소의 사회적인 행동에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 볼 수 있으며, 스트레스 저감으로 인해 건강한 발육에 기여하는 것으로 나타났다.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of two different feeding systems on blood metabolites in Holstein heifers and analyze the economic impacts of the feeding systems. The following two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of feeding system on blood metabolite changes in Holstein heifers and analyze the economic impacts of the two systems. In experiment 1, the effects of two different feeding systems on cortisol, progesterone, and estradiol in Holstein heifers were examined. In experiment 2, the effects of two different feeding systems on the body weights of Holstein heifers and profitability of the two feeding systems were studied. Results showed that the pasture-raised heifers showed significantly decrease in the levels of blood cortisol (p<0.05) and increases in the levels of progesterone and estradiol (p>0.05) when compared with heifers raised in indoor feeding system. The average daily gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) in indoor-raised heifers (0.73 kg/day) as compared to pasture-raised heifers (0.58 kg/day). Also, 25.2% more profits were obtained from the pasture feeding system as compared to the indoor feeding system. These results together would be useful in the investigation of feeding system and growth performance in dairy cattle.

This study was conducted to ameliorate the productive performance of Hanwoo cow using hill pasture grazing system. Twenty seven animals aged 9 were designed to divide with 3 groups which were Control (restricted concentrate and hay for 5 months), T1 (restricted concentrate and pasture grazing ad libitum for 5 months) and T2 (restricted concentrate, 30 g/head of mineral nutrients and pasture grazing ad libitum for 5 months). Average daily gains increased higher in the order of T2, Control and T1. The conception rate of Control, T1 and T2 after artificial insemination during post-grazing period were 88.9%, 100%, 100%, respectively. In conclusion, the results indicated that hill pasture grazing system might enhance not only the productive performance of Hanwoo cow but also profit for conventional feeding system.

본 연구는 국내 실정에 맞는 적정 TDN/CP 비율을 결정하기 위하여 4.6:1(T1)과 4.3:1(T2)의 비율로 생후 13개월령 육성우에게 급여하여 영양소 섭취량, 소화율, 반추 위액 특성 및 혈액조성에 대하여 조 사하였다. 건물 섭취량은 9.0kg/day로 동일하였으며, 조단백질 섭취량은 T1이 1.34kg/day, T2가 1.45kg/day로 T2가 조금 높았으나 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 섬유소 섭취량과 소화율은 T1이 조금 높은 경향을 보였으나 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 사료 섭취 후 4시간째 위액의 pH, ammonia-N, VFA 농도 를 비교한 결과 처리구간 유의적인 차이를 나타내지 않았다. 전반적인 VFA 수치는 TDN/CP 비율에 따 라 큰 영향이 없었으나 T1 처리구에서 iso-butyrate, iso-valerate 및 A/P ratio가 유의적으로 높은 결과를 보였다(p<0.05). 혈액 특성에는 처리구간 유의적인 차이를 나타내지 않았다. TDN/CP 비율이 4.3:1과 4.6:1 수준은 반추위 특성에 큰 영향을 미치지 않았지만, 소화율과 비교하였을 때 생후 13개월 령 육성우 시기에는 섬유소 섭취량과 소화율이 증가되는 4.6:1 수준이 보다 적합할 것으로 판단된다.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of vitamin or mineral supplements on the conception rates of dairy heifers when replacing the last injection of GnRH with hCG in ovsynch protocol (experiment 1) and also to investigate whether the estrus synchronization treatment in the heifer stage affects the conception rates after 1st parturition (experiment 2). In experiment 1, 50 heifers were randomly assigned into 3 groups: 20 heifers each in groups 1 and 2, and 10 in group 3. All three groups were treated with an intramuscular injection of GnRH on day 0 (day 0 = the day of program start), PGF2α on day 7 and hCG on day 9, and were inseminated on day 10, 12~16h after hCG injection. In group 1 (vitamin group), the heifers were treated with an intramuscular injection of 5 ml of vitamin-ADE 500Ⓡ, and group 2 (mineral group) was treated twice with an intramuscular injection of 30 ml of mineral supplement-LAPTOVETⓇ on a one-week interval beginning on the day of hormone treatment (day 0 and day 7 respectively). Group 3 (control) was treated only with hormones. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography through a rectal probe. First service conception rates (FSCR) and average services per conception (ASPC) were recorded for all subjects. Of the total 50 heifers, 6 (2 in group 1, 3 in group 2, and 1 in group 3) heifers were eliminated due to accidents during experiment 1. FSCRs were 58.8% (10/17), 66.7% (12/18) and 44.4% (4/9) in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. ASPCs were 1.53±0.72, 1.27±0.59 and 1.63±0.74 in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Although there were no significant difference between the groups, relatively good results (higher FSCR and lower ASPC) were obtained in both group 1 and 2. In experiment 2, 11 primiparous cows from group 2 of experiment 1 in heifer stage which had been treated both with the hormones for estrus synchronizing and mineral supplements (ES group), and 12 primiparous cows treated only with minerals (non-ES group) were compared to examine the effects of estrus synchronization program on conception rates after 1st parturition. Following the examination, postpartum ASPCs were 1.55±0.82 and 2.17±1.47 in ES group and non-ES group, respectively. The postpartum average days open (ADO) were 116±56 and 197±93 in ES group and non-ES group, respectively. Although there were no significant difference between the two groups, desirable results (lower ASPC and shorter ADO) were found in ES group after 1st parturiton. In conclusion, experiment 1 indicates that vitamin or mineral supplement with ovsynch protocol may have some positive effect on FSCR and ASPC of dairy heifers, and in experiment 2, ES program in heifer stage had a positive effect on ASPC and ADO following 1st parturition.

In this study, the effect of energy and protein ratio on the nutrient availability and body weight gain was determined to find the proper nutrient level for the stage of replacement dairy heifers before fertilization at approximately 12~24 months old after birth. Dry matter intake showed that the TDN/CP rate of T1 (5.0:1), T2 (4.5:1) and T3 (4.0:1) resulted in similar values. Among feces, the ash content of T1 was 11.07%, which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of T3 (9.69%). It was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of T2 (10.32%). When the TDN/CP rate was increased, the ash content in the feces was also increased. Regardless of the initial weight, weight gain was increased significantly as the CP rate in the feed was increased on the 30th day. On the 60th day, T2 showed the highest rate of gain (p < 0.05). As the TDN rate was decreased or the protein rate was increased, weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Regarding GPT level in the blood after finishing the test, T1 and T3 (112.6, 88.3 u/l) showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher value than T2 (50.9 u/l). For phosphorus level, T1 (46.3 mg/dl) showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher value than other treatments. For HDL cholesterol level, T2 (145.2 mg/dl) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher level than T1 (121.0 mg/dl) or T3 (132.3 mg/dl). For triglyceride levels, T3 (40.6 mg/dl) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher value than T1 (20.7 mg/dl) and T2 (29.0 mg/dl). For other blood parameters including BUN concentration, there were no significant (p > 0.05) difference among treatments. As a result, although feed intake and weight gain with TDN/CP rate of 4:1 showed best results, considering the excess body fat accumulation possibilities or blood metabolism, it seems 4.5:1 ratio is most appropriate.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different pregnancy stages on the eating and ruminating behavior of Hanwoo heifers (Bos taurus coreanae). A total of twelve Hanwoo heifers were divided into four groups depending on pregnancy stage: C: before pregnancy, 9 months old, T1: 3 months pregnant, 16 months old, T2: 6 months pregnant, 19 months old, T3: 9 months pregnant, 22 months old (3 replicates per group). Concentrate of 1% of the body weight was fed to them. Roughage was provided at ad libitum to all treatments. Our results revealed that the intake of roughage was the highest in the T3 group (at 3.68 kg) and the lowest in the C group (at 1.02 kg, p<0.05). Total intake in the order from high to low was: T3 > T2 > T1 > C (p<0.05). The rate of dry matter intake compared to body weight (DMI/BW, %) from high to low order was: T3 > T2 > T1 > C (p<0.05). Eating time, ruminating time, and chewing time were the highest in T3 group (p<0.05). Resting time was the highest in C group (p<0.05). The number of bolus and the number of total chews were significantly higher in T3 compared to those in other groups. However, ruminating time per bolus was not significantly difference among groups. The number of chews per bolus from high to low order was: C > T1 > T3 > T2 (p<0.05). The number of bolus per minute was not significantly different among groups. The number of drinking and the number of defecating were significantly higher in C and T1, respectively (p<0.05). However, the number of urinating had no effect according to pregnancy stage. Eating rate and chewing efficiency were significantly higher (p<0.05) in accordance with pregnancy stage (T3 > T2 > T1 > C). Ruminating efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) higher T1 than that in other groups.

Growth rate during rearing, which varies depending on provided nutrition, has been related with age at 1st calving (AFC). This study investigated the effect of upgrowth parameters during the rearing period on the reproduction of nulliparous Holstein heifers. The study comprised 77 successively born heifers from the same herd. Growth rate and fertility traits were measured during rearing and fertility parameters were recorded in lactations 1. Growth parameters (body weight, height, heart girth and body length) were measured at the approximate birth time, 270 and 450 d of age. Reproduction data collected included age at 1st breeding, number of services per conception (S/C), pregnancy rate to 1st artificial insemination, AFC. Animals were subsequently divided into 4 AFC groups for analysis: <23 mo, 23∼ 25 mo, 26∼30 mo and >30 mo. The AFC reflected both upgrowth rate and heifer reproduction, with later calving heifers smaller. Increased skeletal growth (at 270 and 450 d) was related with a reduced AFC (p<0.05). Early calving animals (<23 mo) had the best reproduction as nulliparous heifers, with most conceiving at first service (87.5%). Fertility in the first lactation was the worst in the oldest AFC group (>30 mo). In the 1st lactation period, a number of services per conception (3.1±0.3) increased with increasing AFC (>30 mo). Sub-optimal upgrowth related with an increased AFC could be mitigated by improved monitoring of replacement heifers during the rearing period.

Raising replacement heifers is important aspect of dairy farm management that can be characterized as a long-term performance and high-cost production period. This study was investigated the effect of month of age at the first pregnancy on calving difficulty of Holstein heifers. Heifers was inseminated with semen of easy-calving sire and the reproductive performance was compared for the effect of first pregnancy at 12-14 months of age (12 month old), 15-16 months of age (15 month old), 17-19 months of age (17 month old) and > 20 months of age (20 month old) in Holstein heifers. Holstein heifers showed different easy calving score (ECS) depending on their ages; frequency of ECS 1 was 55.2%, 64.9%, 59.4% and 52.0% at 12, 15, 17 and 20 month of age, respectively. Frequency of ECS 4 was 5.2%, 1.8%, 6.3% and 4.8% at 12, 15, 17 and 20 month of age, respectively. The rates of retained placenta postparturition in first pregnancy age category was 12.3% at 12 months of age, 5.3% at 15 months of age, 9.4% at 17 months of age and 19.0% at 20 months of age. When It was evaluated by present results, the reproductive performance like easy calving score (ECS), retained placenta rates, and abortion and stillbirth rates of heifers which was inseminated at 14 months old or less and at 17 months old or more was reduced. Therefore, the first pregnancy age for optimum reproductive performance was 15-16 months.

Presently, the first pregnancy age of dairy heifers attended National Dairy Herd Improvement Program (NDHI) in Korea has increased, and more research have been requested to evaluate the possibility of decreasing the first pregnancy age of dairy heifers. Accordingly, this study was investigated the effects of the month of age at the first service and pregnancy on the reproductive efficiency of Holstein heifers. For these, the reproductive performance of heifers was analyzed by evaluating the effects of first insemination service at 12-14 months of age (12 month old), 15-16 months of age (15 month old), 17-19 months of age (17 month old), and > 20 months of age (20 month old) in Holstein heifers. The service numbers per conception in the first insemination months were 1.85±1.22, 1.59±0.77, 1.58±0.72, and 1.76±0.97 times at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. The conception rates in the first service were 51.2, 57.8, 54.8, and 52.9% at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. The conception ages were 453.2±78.9, 512.1±75.9, 590.1±98.0, and 713.0±74.5 days in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. There was significantly difference in the conception age among groups (p<0.05). The cumulative conception rates in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age were 51.21, 57.8, 54.8 and 53.0% by the first service, 29.8, 30.1, 32.3, 23.5% by the second service, and 19.0, 12.1, 12.9 and 23.5% by the third service, respectively. The service numbers per conception in the first pregnancy months were 1.31, 1.55, 2.0, 2.05 times at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of the first service age, respectively. The service numbers per conception in the 12 and 15 months of age were significantly lower than those in the 17 and 20 months of age (p<0.05). The rates of repeat-breeder were 6.0, 11.3, 22.0, and 41.0% in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. These results demonstrate that first pregnancy of Holstein heifers should be conducted at 15 months of age, because the age at first pregnancy in heifers can be substantially influenced through implementation of reproductive management and performance.

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of fattening Hanwoo heifers slaughtered at different ages. Twenty one Hanwoo heifers were randomly allocated to three groups (32, 36 and 40 months age), with 7 steers each, respectively. In the result, initial and final body weights were 125.6 and 651.0 kg, respectively. Average daily gain was significantly low at final stage compared with other growth stages (p<0.05). Dry matter intake was the peak at the intermediate fattening stage (p<0.05). The feed conversion ratio was significantly lower at growing stage compared to other stages (p<0.05). In yield traits, carcass weight was greater in 40 months age group compared to other groups (p<0.05). Yield index was greater in 32 months group compared to 40 months of age (p<0.05). Marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, and maturity were not different among groups (p>0.05). However, marbling score tended to be increased in 40 months age group (5.9) compared to other groups. The appearance rate (%) of meat quality grade more than 1+ was greater at 40 months old group than other groups.

The objective of this work was to analyze the concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) hormones changed during estrus synchronization in dairy heifers. Estrus synchronization was carried out with CIDRⓇ (Controlled Intravaginal Drug Release) devices. Corpus luteum (CL) was classified into three grades based on its size and palpable characteristics. The concentrations of P4 and E2 were measured by enzyme-amplified chemiluminescence. Serum P4 concentration was markedly low at the estrus stage (36 hrs after removal of CIDR) compared to other stages, while E2 concentration was kept high during estrus stage. The serum P4 concentration was highest in the CL classified into gradeⅠ. These results indicate that P4 concentration could be used as a criteria for determining recipients for artificial insemination or embryo transfer in dairy cattle.

This study was designed to adopt two estrus synchronization protocols in zebu and crossbred heifers and their effects on pregnancy rate after timed artificial insemination (TAI). A number of 120 cyclic heifers were allotted for two different treatment groups and one control group. Heifers under protocol A were injected with GnRH at first day followed by a single dose of at Day 11 and injection of GnRH at the day of AI; and heifers belonged to protocol B were treated with GnRH, two injections at 11 days apart and injection of GnRH at AI. AI was done at fixed time (within 72~96 hours after injection) in both protocols and pregnancy was confirmed by rectal palpation on 80~120 days of post AI. In control group; local heifers were conceived higher (30%) proportion than that of crossbred heifers (25%; p<0.05). In protocol A, the local breed were conceived higher (38.9%) proportion compared with crossbred (25%; p<0.05). In protocol B, local breed heifers were conceived higher (38.9%) proportion compared with crossbred heifers (33.3%; p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate in protocol A and protocol B was 33.3% and 36.6%, respectively. The proportion of pregnancy rate of local heifers (38.9%; Protocol A) was significant (p<0.05) in comparison with local heifers (30%) in control group (p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate between pooled control group (28.3%) and treatment group (35%) was significantly (p<0.05) differ from each other's. Results of present study concluded that estrus synchronization followed by fixed time AI could be applied for higher pregnancy rate in zebu and crossbred heifers.