The feed value of Astragalus membranaceus leaves and straws was amended by fermentation using effective microorganisms, such as molasses (T1), Rhodobacter capsulatus (T2), Bacillus subtilis (T3), Lactobacillus acidophilus (T4), or Saccharomyces cerevisiae (T5), with no supplements in the control (C). The crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents in the fermentation-treated A. membranaceus leaves decreased, whereas nitrogen free extract (NFE) content increased significantly. A decrease in the amounts of CP (except in T3), EE, CF, NDF, and ADF in the A. membranaceus straws treated with effective microorganisms was observed compared with that for the C and T1 (p<0.05). The NFE content of the straws increased with all treatments, except T1. Fermentation treatment subtly altered the fatty acid composition of A. membranaceus leaves and straws. In contrast, the calcium and vitamin E contents in A. membranaceus leaves and straws were increased after fermentation treatment (p<0.05). However, T3 yielded higher saponin content in straws compared to that by any of the other treatments (p<0.05). The effect of fermentation with microorganisms, maintained the low pH up to 48 h (p<0.05), whereas it was random for the straws. Therefore, the data suggest that fermentation treatment with microorganisms can improve digestion rate and have a positive effect on physiologically active substances and feed value.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of moisture content on the physical and chemical characteristics of Italian ryegrass cube. Cube quality according to moisture contents (15, 20, 25, and 30%) was determined. Cubes made with 15 to 20% moisture showed a little cracks. But, the amount of powder generate from these cubes were lower by 10 to 16% compared to other cubes made with 25 to 30% moisture contents. The highest hardness at 159 kg/f was obtained when the cube was made with 15% moisture content and the lowest was 70 kg/f when the cube was made with 30% moisture content. The electrical loading and surface temperature were increased when moisture content was decreased. The chemical compositions of cube were differ from those of raw materials. Crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents were increased after cubing works. However, crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents were decreased after cubing. The crude ash content was not significantly (p > 0.05) different between raw material and cube. Higher moisture content resulted in higher crude protein content. However, crude fiber and crude ash content were not significantly (p > 0.05) different between each other. The contents of ADF and NDF were the lowest in cubes made with 30% moisture content. Our results suggest that the proper moisture content of Italian ryegrass cubing is recommended to be 15 to 20% and that cubing works should help increase forage quality.

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.