Background: This study focused on reproductive traits in Hanwoo cattle, specifically the environmental factors affecting gestation length and birth weight. Methods: The records of 1,540 cows calved at the Hanwoo Research Institute from 2015 to 2023 were examined. This study analyzed two populations, linebreeding Hanwoo (LBH) and general Hanwoo (GH), with all cows undergoing estrus synchronization and artificial insemination. The R software was used to compare the differences between the two populations and analyze the environmental factors affecting each trait. Results: The results showed that the average gestation length for LBH was 283.28 ± 5.93 days, which was significantly shorter than that of the GH, which had an average of 285.63 ± 6.21 days (p < 0.001). The average birth weight of LBH calves was 25.10 ± 3.69 kg, significantly lighter than GH calves, which weighed 27.26 ± 4.11 kg on average (p < 0.001). Analysis of environmental factors revealed significant differences in the gestation length of LBH based on dam parity, year, and season of calving. However, no significant differences were observed based on calf sex. For LBH, birth weight showed significant differences based on dam parity, year of calving, and sex of the calf, but not the season of calving. In GH, gestation length varied with dam parity and calving season, but not with calving year or calf sex. The GH birth weight showed differences based on dam parity, year of calving, and calf sex, but not the season of calving. Conclusions: Reproductive traits in the Hanwoo cattle industry are economically vital but are heavily influenced by environmental factors due to their low heritability. An accurate evaluation of the genetic potential of these traits requires an analysis of the environmental factors affecting them. The results of this study serve as foundational data for predicting the potential for genetic improvement in the gestation length and birth weight of Hanwoo cattle.

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.

This study was conducted to estimate the effects of the forage process on rumen fermentation characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions of rye. Rye was grown at the Taeyoung Livestock farm and harvested at the heading stage. The harvested rye (5 kg) was sub-sampled for fresh forage, hay, and silage in triplicates. The sub-sampled rye was freeze-dried or air-dried for fresh forage or rye hay, respectively. For rye silage, the sub-sampled rye forage was ensiled into a 10 L mini bucket silo and stored for 90 days. For 72 h rumen incubation, each forage (0.3 g) was placed into the incubation bottle with the rumen mixture (30 mL) in quadruplicates. After the incubation, total gas was measured and sub-sampled for CO2 and CH4 analyses, and the bottle content was centrifuged for in vitro digestibilities of dry matter (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD), and rumen fermentation characteristics. Silage had higher crude protein, crude ash, and acid detergent fiber concentrations than fresh forage and hay but lower non-fiber carbohydrates and relative feed value (p<0.05). And, silage had higher lactic acid bacteria than the other forages but lower pH (p<0.05). After 72 h incubation in the rumen, fresh forage had higher IVDMD and butyrate content than the other forages (p<0.05). However, silage had higher rumen pH and propionate content than the other forages but lower A:P ratio (p<0.05). Regarding greenhouse gases, silage had lowest total gas (mL/g DMD and NDFD) and CH4 (mL/g DMD and NDFD) emissions, while fresh forage had lowest CO2 (mL/g DMD) emission (p<0.05). Therefore, this study concluded that the ensiling process of rye can effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions of Hanwoo.

This study analyzed the correlation between carcass traits of Hanwoo steers and feeding methods (concentrate feed and total mixed ration for ruminants). The results indicated that in the feeding system using concentrate feed, the variation in carcass weight and marbling score among individual animals within farms tended to affect the average carcass sale price, with both showing negative effects (p=0.057, p=0.053). The standardized regression coefficients were used to compare the influence of each variable, revealing that the coefficients for carcass weight variation and marbling score variation were –0.38 and –0.30, respectively, indicating a greater influence of carcass weight variation. Therefore, reducing the variations in carcass weight and marbling score among steers in farms using concentrate feed is likely to increase the average carcass sale price. In the case of farms using total mixed ration (TMR) for ruminants, the variation in marbling score among individual animals significantly affected the average carcass sale price, showing a negative effect (p=0.002). Thus, reducing the variation in marbling score among steers in TMR farms is likely to increase the average carcass sale price. In summary, the coefficient of variation of marbling score was found to have a significant impact on the average carcass sale price of the farm. In farms using concentrate feed, the variations in both carcass weight and marbling score tended to affect the average carcass sale price (0.05<p<0.1). Meanwhile, in farms using TMR, the variation in marbling score had a significant impact. In conclusion, the coefficient of variation for marbling score in carcass performance was found to have the most significant impact on the average carcass sale price for both feeding types (concentrate and TMR diets). Furthermore, reducing the variation along with carcass weight of Hanwoo steers on concentrate feed may be a way to increase farm income.

The study aimed to investigate the impact of varying levels of neutral detergent-soluble fiber (NDSF) in Hanwoo growing cattle diets on rumen fermentation and methane (CH4) emissions. An in vitro rumen fermentation experiment utilized feeds with different NDSF levels, incorporating ingredients such as corn grain, soybean meal, soybean hulls, palm kernel meal, beet pulp and timothy hay. The NDSF contents in the diets were 9.02% (T1), 10.09% (T2), 12.42% (T3) and 14.63% (T4). In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) at 48 h was 7.4% higher for T4 compared to T1 (p<0.05). Total gas production at 48 h was 6.6% higher for T4 than T1 (p<0.05). CH4 production significantly decreased at 9 h and 12 h for T1 and T2 (p<0.05). At 48 h, CH4 production was 5.6% higher for T4 compared to T1 and 6.7% higher compared to T2 (p<0.05). At 12 h ans 24 h, the ammonia nitrogen concentration of T4 was approximately 33.1% and 40.4% lower, respectively, compared to T1 (p<0.05). The acetate to propionate ratio at 48 h was approximately 18.8% higher for T4 than T1 (p<0.05). From 9 h to 48 h, the proportions of butyrate and valerate were significantly higher for T4 (p<0.05). At 48 h, the dominant phylum in T4's rumen microbial community was Candidatus Thermoplasmatota Methanomassiliicoccus, an Archaea. Therefore, this study confirmed that increasing the NDSF content in growing Hanwoo cattle diets up to 12.42% increases IVDMD without increasing CH4 emissions, which is expected to positively impact Hanwoo productivity.

This study was conducted to examine the microbiological quality indicators (total bacterial count and coliform count) and physicochemical quality indicators (pH, redness, volatile basic nitrogen [VBN] content) of meat according to various storage temperatures (20~15oC) and packaging methods (wrap, vacuum). Based on these results, we proposed a safe consumption period. Redness, pH, and VBN content were not considered appropriate for setting the expiration date, as the redness and pH of the meat after spoilage were better than the standard values for both vacuum and wrap packaging (p<0.05). Additionally, the VBN content at 2 and 4oC increased slightly (fresh level) until the initial time of spoilage (1.0×106 colony-forming unit [CFU]/cm2) and then increased rapidly thereafter. Therefore, the results were not consistent with microbial spoilage. When the decay point was evaluated based on the presence of microorganisms, vacuum packaging extended the storage period approximately 2.5-fold when compared with wrap packaging, and the meat could be stored at 2 or 4oC for 40 or 23 days, respectively. Therefore, to evaluate meat quality, microbial indicators should be considered first. The microbiological standards proposed in this study can be used for safety management during the distribution of meat. However, to ensure meat safety, additional investigations of appropriate indicators of freshness must be conducted.

Background: Sperm quality and the number of sperm introduced into the uterus during artificial insemination (AI) are pivotal factors influencing pregnancy outcomes. However, there have been no reports on the relationship between sperm concentration at AI and sperm quality in Hanwoo cattle. In this study, we examined sperm quality and pregnancy rates after AI using sperm inseminated at different concentrations. Methods: We evaluated the motility, viability, and acrosomal membrane integrity of sperm at different concentrations (10, 15, 18, and 20 million sperm/straw) in 0.5-mL straws. Subsequently, we compared the pregnancy rates after AI with different sperm concentrations. Results: After freeze-thawing, sperm at the assessed concentrations showed similar viability and acrosomal membrane integrity. After AI, cattle in the 10 million group had significantly lower pregnancy rates compared to those in the 18 and 20 million groups. Conversely, there were no statistically significant variances observed between cattle in the 10 and 15 million groups. Conclusions: Sperm at concentrations of 10, 15, 18 and 20 million per straw exhibited comparable motility, viability, and acrosomal membrane integrity. However, a concentration of at least 18 million sperm per straw is required to achieve a consistent rate of pregnancy rate in Hanwoo cattle after AI.

This study divided the area capable of producing domestic forage into grazing pasture, hay production area, and silage crop area, calculated the required area according to the forage production volume, and examined whether self-sufficiency in forage leads to cost savings. When the self-sufficiency rate of forage for dairy cows and Hanwoo is 80%, the improvement in profitability per heaf ranges from 3% to 9%, typically around 5%, which is considered a significant benefit for both corporate and individual businesses. The average profit per ranch is expected to increase about KRW 50 million per year, and the country as a whole is expected to reduce forage costs by KRW 0.9 trillion per year. Recently, efforts are being made by the government and local authorities to cultivate summer forage at the rice fields for improving self-sufficiency in forage feed to stabilize rice supply and demand. Furthermore, it is also necessary to conduct research on reducing the cost of concentrated feed and TMR (Total mixed ration).

Background: Recently, the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) method, which incorporates not only genomic information but also phenotypic information of pedigree, is under study. In this study, we performed a ssGBLUP analysis on a commercial Hanwoo population using phenotypic, genotypic, and pedigree data. Methods: The test population comprised Hanwoo 1,740 heads raised in four regions of Korea, while the reference population used Hanwoo 18,499 heads raised across the country and two-generation pedigree data. Analysis was performed using genotype data generated by the Hanwoo 50 K SNP beadchip. Results: The mean Genome estimated breeding values (GEBVs) estimated using the ssGBLUP methods for carcass weight (CWT), eye muscle area (EMA), back fat thickness (BFT), and marbling score (MS) were 7.348, 1.515, -0.355, and 0.040, respectively, while the accuracy of each trait was 0.749, 0.733, 0.769, and 0.768, respectively. When the correlation analysis between the GEBVs as a result of this study and the actual slaughter performance was confirmed, CWT, EMA, BFT, and MS were reported to be 0.519, 0.435, 0.444, and 0.543, respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the ssGBLUP method enables a more accurate evaluation because it conducts a genetic evaluation of an individual using not only genotype information but also phenotypic information of the pedigree. Individual evaluation using the ssGBLUP method is considered effective for enhancing the genetic ability of farms and enabling accurate and rapid improvements. It is considered that if more pedigree information of reference population is collected for analysis, genetic ability can be evaluated more accurately.

Background: Estrus in cows can be detected through vaginal electrical resistance or conductivity. However, there are no studies measuring vaginal electrical resistance in Hanwoo cows. This study aims to measure the vaginal electrical resistance value in Hanwoo cows and compare it with estrus and ovulation. Methods: Vaginal electrical resistance values of 73 Hanwoo cows were measured before and after estrus at the Gyeongsangbuk-do Livestock Research Institute. Measurements were taken on days -6, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 6 of artificial insemination. Large follicles and ovulation were confirmed using transvaginal ultrasonography. Results: The vaginal electrical resistance averaged 225.6 ± 6.3 Ω days before the artificial insemination date, decreasing until the day of artificial insemination. The average vaginal electrical resistance was 163.7 ± 4.6 Ω on the date of artificial insemination, and 188.8 ± 4.3 Ω one day after artificial insemination, when large follicles were observed. In addition, on the 6th day after artificial insemination, the vaginal electrical resistance averaged 231.4 ± 5.5, which was similar to the 6th day before artificial insemination (222.5 ± 6.3). Transvaginal ultrasonography showed that most of the cows ovulated one day after artificial insemination. Conclusions: The accuracy of estrus is high if the vaginal electrical resistance is measured for cows with confirmed estrus, making is a potentially useful for determining the timing of artificial insemination.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of amino acid complex additives, such as protected vitamin C (VC) or detoxified sulfur (DS), on the growth and metabolism of Hanwoo cattle under high-temperature conditions. Accordingly, farms in Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) regions ranging from 78 to 89 for over 100 days were selected. The experimental groups were control, T1 (lysine + methionine + VC, 50 g/head/day), and T2 (lysine + methionine + DS, 50 g/head/day) with 70, 77, and 71 animals each. The range of the THI for 115 days was 78-89, and this occurred in most of the experiment days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in rectal temperature among the groups. The body weight increased to 786.4 and 809.0kg in the T1 and T2 groups, respectively, compared to the control group (p<0.05). Linoleic acid showed a high result of 2.01% in the T1 group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Unsaturated fatty acids were higher at 55.70 and 56.54% in the T1 and T2 groups, respectively, compared to the control group (p<0.05), and the omega 6/3 ratio was reduced to 20.10% (p<0.05). These findings indicate that T1 has a positive impact on growth, meat quality, and fatty acid composition compared to the control group. In conclusion, amino acid complex with VC improved the body weight of Hanwoo steers and the unsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids of their meat; however, further research is needed to clarify this impact on carcass performance.

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a natural stress-reducing substance and is actively used as a human health supplement. However, minimal research has been conducted on its use in cattle. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of GABA on the growth performance, complete blood count, blood metabolites, and carcass characteristics of fattening Hanwoo steers. Twenty-one fattening steers were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: control (basal diet: concentrate feed + rice straw), T1 (basal diet + GABA supplement at 0.8% of feed/head/day), and T2 (basal diet + GABA supplement at 1.6% of feed/head/day). Feed intake and conversion ratio did not differ among the treatments. However, the average daily gain during the early fattening period increased linearly to 0.80 kg, 0.86 kg, and 0.92 kg in the control, T1, and T2 groups (p<0.05). Plasma γ-glutamyl transferase (37.5, 58.2, 42.8 U/ℓ) and creatinine (1.32, 1.34, 1.49 ㎎/㎗) levels in the GABA supplement group were increased compared to those in the control group. The carcass weight (422.7, 427.1, 454.1 kg), rib eye area (86.67, 92.57, 91.14 cm2), and marbling score (3.67, 4.29, 4.14) were numerically higher in the GABA supplement group than in the control group. Thus, GABA supplementation positively affected the average daily gain and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers. However, the effect of the GABA supplement level of GABA was small, and further research using rumen-protected coating technology on GABA is necessary.

한우에게 급여하는 사료 내 에너지원의 종류에 따라 반추위 미생물의 아미노산 조성에 차이가 있는지를 조사하고자 본 연구를 수행하였다. 국내 한우 비육우 사육에 주로 이용되는 에너지원 사료인 옥수수(T1), 생미강(T2), 소맥(T3) 그리고 소맥피(T4)로 반추위 환경과 유사한 연속식 배양기를 이용하여 72시간까지 배양을 진행하였다. 배양이 진행되는 동안 6시간 간격으로 배양액의 발효 성상을 확인하였으며 pH, NH3-N이 일정하게 유지되는 것을 확인하였으며, 배양 종료 시점인 72시간대에 미생물체 단백질 합성량(MPS), 미생물의 아미노산 조성 및 미생물 균총 변화를 분석하였다. 배양액의 pH는 모든 처리구에서 배양 기간동안 5.5~7.0을 유지하였다. Total VFA 농도는 T1이 23.13 mM으로 가장 낮았고, T4가 29.93 mM으로 가장 높았다(p<0.05). A (acetate) :P (propionate) 비율은 T1이 1.48로 가장 낮았으며, T4가 2.81로 가장 높게 나타났다 (p<0.05). Butyrate는 T1이 2.37 mM으로 가장 낮았으며, T2, T3 그리고 T4는 4.37~4.58 mM으로 차이가 없었다(p<0.05). MPS는 T2 (332.5 mg/L)와 T3 (320.2 mg/L)가 높았고 T1 (137.5 mg/L)와 T4 (154.2 mg/L)로 낮게 나타났다(p<0.05). DGGE band 분석결과 모든 처리구는 57.5 % 이하의 유사도가 나타났다. 미생물의 총 아미노산 함량은 T1 (31.59 %)과 T3 (31.33 %)가 가장 높았으며, T2 (20.09 %)가 가장 낮았다 (p<0.05). 이는 급여된 사료 내 총 아미노산 함량과 반대되는 결과로 나타났다. 따라서, 본 연구에서 한우 급여 에너지원 사료에 따른 반추위 내 미생물 발효 특성과 미생물체 단백질 합성량이 미생물 군집에 영향을 미치며 이에 따라 미생물의 총 아미노산 함량에 영향을 미친다는 것을 확인하였다.

본 연구는 국내의 한우 개량에 있어서 정확한 혈통 정보가 중요해짐에 따라 고밀도 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) chip의 SNP 정보들을 활용한 친자 확인으로 혈통 정보의 신뢰도 향상에 기여하고자 실시하였다. 이미 혈통 정보가 확인되고 Microsatellite (MS) 유전자형으로 친자 여부가 확인된 14개의 가계, 318두로 친자 확인 분석을 하였다. Call rate 100%인 마커들을 활용한 친자 확인 분석 결과, 9두가 모 부정, 19두가 완전 부정으로 총 28두가 부정으로 판정되었고, 이는 부모의 SNP 정보에서 나올 수 있는 조합과 다른 자식의 유전자형이 확인되었다. 이후, 친자 확인 정확도 향상을 위해 call rate와 minor allele frequency (MAF)를 기준으로 SNP 마커 수를 증가시켜 분석하였으나 부정으로 판정되는 개체들이 추가적으로 발생하였고, 이는 SNP 정보의 결측치 증가 및 자식의 유전자형 변이로 인한 것으로 판단된다. 따라서 고밀도 SNP chip을 활용한 친자 확인 분석에는 보다 신중한 접근이 필요하며, 본 연구 결과는 고밀도 SNP 정보를 이용한 친자 확인 연구에 있어서 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

Background: Copy number variation (CNV) can be identified using next-generation sequencing and microarray technologies, the research on the analysis of its association with meat traits in livestock breeding has significantly increased in recent years. Hanwoo is an inherent species raised in the Republic of Korea. It is now considered one of the most economically important species and a major food source mainly used for meat (Hanwoo beef). Methods: In this study, CNVs and the relationship between the obtained CNV regions (CNVRs) can be identified in the Hanwoo steer samples (n = 473) using Illumina Hanwoo SNP 50K bead chip and bioinformatic tools, which were used to locate the required data and meat traits were investigated. The PennCNV software was used for the identification of CNVs, followed by the use of the CNV Ruler software for locating the different CNVRs. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis was performed. Results: We found a total of 2,575 autosomal CNVs (933 losses, 1,642 gains) and 416 CNVRs (289 gains, 111 losses, and 16 mixed), which were established with ranged in size from 2,183 bp to 983,333 bp and 10,004 bp to 381,836 bp, respectively. Upon analyzing the restriction of minor alleles frequency > 0.05 for meat traits association, 6 CNVRs in the carcass weight, 2 CNVRs in the marbling score, 3 CNVRs in the backfat thickness, and 2 CNVRs in the longissimus muscle area were related to the meat traits. In addition, we identified an overlap of 347 CNVRs. Moreover, 3 CNVRs were determined to have a gene that affects meat quality. Conclusions: Our results confirmed the relationship between Hanwoo CNVR and meat traits, and the possibility of overlapping candidate genes, annotations, and quantitative trait loci that results depended on to contribute to the greater understanding of CNVs in Hanwoo and its role in genetic variation among cattle livestock.

Because multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) in cattle includes several benefits such as wide spreading of genetically superior offspring for long distance, this biotechnological method has been widely applied to Hanwoo. When the recipients are not stayed close after embryo recovery from donor, the embryos are moved to other farms via several vehicles (car, train, and airplane). However, air travel induces lesser oxygen level, increased vibration, lower air pressure, higher noise, and increased exposure of cosmic radiation to living things than ground level. It was still unknown that fresh embryos obtained from multiple ovulation of Hanwoo could maintain their fertility after being transported via air plane, the present case report introduced a clinical case of MOET in Hanwoo after shipping fresh embryos via air transportation. The donor was multi-ovulated via follicle-stimulating hormone series of injection, which was followed by a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone injection and artificial insemination twice. The embryos were recovered by the uterine flushing, packed in ministraws, transported to recipients for 6 h including 1 h air flight, and then transferred to the synchronized recipients. During pregnancy diagnosis of early gestation period, 5 of 7 recipients (71.4%) presented no heat signs and showed fetal sacs with fluid under transrectal ultrasonography. After normal gestation period, all recipients naturally delivered healthy calves (male n = 2 and female n = 3) without abortion, stillbirth, and premature birth. The present case report indicated that transportation of fresh embryos for MOET via domestic flight in Korea did not affect to their fertility.

This study has evaluated the genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) of the commercial Hanwoo population using the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) method and genomic information. Furthermore, it analyzed the accuracy and realized accuracy of the GEBV. 1,740 heads of the Hanwoo population which were analyzed using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Chip has selected as the test population. For carcass weight (CWT), eye muscle area (EMA), back fat thickness (BFT), and marbling score (MS), the mean GEBVs estimated using the GBLUP method were 3.819, 0.740, -0.248, and 0.041, respectively and the accuracy of each trait was 0.743, 0.728, 0.737, and 0.765, respectively. The accuracy of the breeding value was affected by heritability. The accuracy was estimated to be low in EMA with low heritability and high in MS with high heritability. Realized accuracy values of 0.522, 0.404, 0.444, and 0.539 for CWT, EMA, BFT, and MS, respectively, showing the same pattern as the accuracy value. The results of this study suggest that the breeding value of each individual can be estimated with higher accuracy by estimating the GEBV using the genomic information of 18,499 reference populations. If this method is used and applied to individual selection in a commercial Hanwoo population, more precise and economical individual selection is possible. In addition, continuous verification of the GBLUP model and establishment of a reference population suitable for commercial Hanwoo populations in Korea will enable a more accurate evaluation of individuals.

This study was designed to evaluate the objective meat qualities of Hanwoo longissimus lumborum muscle after a period of long-term storage (40 days) in which conditions similar to those under which the meat would be stored for export to the Hong Kong beef market were simulated. Twelve LL muscles were sampled from animals slaughtered the previous day at a commercial beef export abattoir and assigned to one of three groups. Each group was subjected to a different packaging condition; Shrink film packed (SFP), vacuum packed (VP), or modified atmosphere packed (MAP)(O2/60%, CO2/40%). Objective meat qualities were assessed at day 1, 7, 21 and 40 of storage. Different Packaging conditions had no noticeable influence on cooking loss significantly. However, the moisture content in both the SFP and MAP groups tended to decline in a linear manner with storage periods throughout the 40 days period. Drip loss of MAP (5.68%) group was much higher in the SFP (3.18%) and VP (2.64%) groups at storage day 40. Redness (CIE a*) of meat color responded in a significant and completely different manner to each packaging method. Redness significantly (p<0.05) and continuously increased 17.51 at day 1 to 20.41 at day 40 in VP group, while MAP linearly dropped and ultimately reached 10.6 after 40 days of aging (p<0.05), at which point the meat had a brown color. Tests of Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) indicated that the tenderness levels of the ready-for-export Hanwoo LL muscles were acceptable 7 days postmortem in the SFP and VP groups, however there was no significant difference between each group. Our gathered data suggests that the packaging method selected for export determines how well the objective qualities of the beef hold up, and indicate that VP is likely the most reliable method.

쇠고기 이력추적제는 소 개체마다 이력번호를 부여하여 수입쇠고기가 한우고기로 둔갑하는 사례를 막고, 소비자 에게 구입한 한우고기의 세부 이력 정보들을 제공하는 데 도움을 준다. 이번 연구는 2021년-2022년 서울지역 대형 축산물판매업소에서 유통되는 한우고기 344건에서 DNA 동일성 검사를 실시하여 이력번호 등 주요 표시정보들의 진위를 판별하였다. 그 결과 45건(13.1%)에서 이력번호가 불일치한 것으로 확인되었다. 불일치율은 2021년(14.7%) 에 비해 2022년(11.3%) 감소하였고, 도심서북권 20.7%, 동 북권 14.4%, 서남권 및 동남권 10.2% 순으로, 북부권 (16.9%)이 남부권(10.2%)에 비해 높게 나타났다. 또한 6개 브랜드 중 B사 및 D사는 이력관리가 양호한 반면, E사 및 A사는 이력관리가 취약한 것으로 확인되었고, 통계적 으로 유의한 결과 차이를 보였다(P<0.001). 이력번호 불일 치 시료의 실제 이력번호는 업소 내 입(출)고 거래내역 자 료를 근거로 조사하였고, 그 결과 실제 이력번호 확인율 은 53.9%에 불과하였으나, 확인된 범위 내에서 시료의 표 시정보 진위 판별 결과, 거짓 표시는 이력번호 13.1%, 성 별 2.9%, 도축장명 2.2%, 등급 1.6% 순으로 나타났고, 품종 (한우) 거짓 표시는 없었다. 거짓 표시 축산물의 유통 차 단을 위해 표시정보의 신속한 진위 판별이 중요하므로 업 소 내 이력번호가 기재된 날짜별 부분육 소분할 작업내역 작성을 의무화하는 법적 근거 마련이 필요하다. 본 연구 결과는 투명한 축산물 유통 거래 질서 정착을 위한 이력 관리 방향 설정에 참고자료로 활용하고자 한다.

South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. However, summers are extremely hot and humid, which negatively affects industrial animal production. Hanwoo are native cattle that have traditionally been raised in the natural environment of Korea. The present study investigated the effects of birth and lactation season on the birth and weaning weights of Hanwoo calves. Data were collected from 100 local breeding farms between 2016 and 2021. A total of 56,970 (males, 29,530; females, 27,440) Hanwoo calves were classified according to sex or birth and weaning season (March–May, spring; June–August, summer; September– November, fall; and December–February, winter). The birth weight of Hanwoo calves differed according to the birth season. As such, birth weight of the summer-born calves was the lowest. Additionally, the 90-day weaning weight was positively correlated with birth weight. Interestingly, however, the 90-day weaning weight was not related to the birth season but was related to the 2-month seasonal effect during the lactation period. Furthermore, the 90-day weaning weight was the lowest during the summer lactation period. In the beef cattle industry, daily weight gain is an important economic characteristic related to feed efficiency and growth. Our findings will contribute the management of Hanwoo cattle and analysis of changes in economic characteristics due to high temperatures.