Background: This study was conducted to increase meat production by 30% compared to the present by selecting a giant cow over 1,000 kg and applying biotechnologies. Methods: After OPU from 1,100 kg of giant cow, the calves were produced in Hanwoo surrogate mothers. Among 23 calves six male heads were selected, three heads of them were chosen as candidate sires, and the rest three heads were raised for 30 months for performance test. The semen of three candidate sires from the age of 22 months were collected and frozen, and the calves were produced by artificial insemination. The calf was raised to the age of 30 to 33 months and performed a progeny test. Results: The average birth weight of 23 calves born by transferring giant cow-derived embryos was 42.8 kg, and the average weight of carcass from three bulls was 615.3 kg in the performance test. In the progeny test, the average birth weight of calves born after artificial insemination of semen from giant cow-derived candidate sires was 41 kg, and the average weight of carcass after raised to the age of 30 to 33 months was 562.7 kg. As a result of performance and progeny tests, it is 148 and 96 kg higher in giant cow-derived beef cattle than the average carcass (467 kg) from general Hanwoo cattle, respectively. Conclusions: This study will have laid a great foundation for the future improvement of the Korean beef industry.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different red seaweeds on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and methane gas production. Five species of red seaweed (Chrysymenia wrughtii Yamada, CW; Hypnea sp., Hypnea sp.; Chondria crassicaulis, CC; Gelidium vagum Okamurae, GV; Hypnea saidana Holmes, HS) were obtained from National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS) in South Korea. The collected red seaweeds were washed for 3 minutes, and then samples were freeze-dried and ground to a size of a 1 millimeter. The buffered ruminal fluid (50 mL) was incubated with substrates and seaweeds (5% of substrates) at 39℃ for 48 hours. Total gas production was lower than red seaweed treatments excluding the CW treatment (p<0.05; 63.25 mL). Methane production was the lowest in CC treatment (p<0.05; 9.93 mL/g of digestible dry matter). The rumen pH of the red seaweed treatments ranged from 5.98 to 6.08, which was significantly the lowest in the GV treatment (p<0.05; 5.98). There was no significant difference in the total VFA concentration, but propionate (27.53%) was significantly highest in the CW treatment, whereas acetate (53.14%), iso-valerate (3.52%), valerate (1.72%), and A:P ratio (1.93) were significantly lowest (p<0.05). In conclusion, among the five species of red seaweeds, Chondria crassicaulis reduced in vitro methane production without negative effects on dry matter digestibility. Future studies will be needed to determine the optimal inclusion level of Chondria crassicaulis as feed additive to reduce enteric methane production.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of various washing pre-treatments of native Codium fragile as a feed additive on in vitro ruminal fermentation and CH4 production in ruminants. Seaweed was included at 0.5% dry matter (DM) based on the experimental feed (forage : concentrate = 3:7). Treatment groups were classified as follows: experimental feed (C), no washing (T1), washing at 0°C (T2), washing at 22°C (T3) and washing at 70°C (T4) each immersed for 6 minutes in distilled water. The pH consistently fell within the ruminal stability range. In vitro dry matter digestibility was significantly highest in T2, T3, T4 and C, T4 was the lowest at 48 h (p<0.05). NH3-N concentration was significantly highest in T4 at 48 h (p<0.05). Total gas production at 48 h was 19% lower in T4 compared to C (p<0.01). CH4 production (mL/g DM) at 48 h was lower in all treatment groups compared to C, with T3 showing a 31% reduction (p<0.01). Similarly, CH4 production (mL/g dry matter degradability, DMD) at 48 h was 39% lower for T3 compared to C (p<0.01). At 24 h, total VFA was significantly highest in T1 and T4 (p<0.05). The proportions of acetate was significantly highest in C and T3 was the lowest at 48 h (p<0.01). The proportions of propionate was significantly highest in T3 and C was the lowest at 48 h (p<0.01). The acetate to propionate ratio was singnificantly highest in C at 48 h (p<0.01). The proportions of butyrate at 24 h was lower for T3 compared to C (p<0.05). Therefore, this study confirms that Codium fragile can reduce CH4 production when used as a feed additive for ruminants and this effect is not significantly influenced by the washing pre-treatment. However, if washing process is necessary, washing at 22°C is the most appropriate method to remove foreign objects.

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.

본 실험에서는 외인성 효소 첨가제 및 혼합 세균 배양을 통한 고상발효(Solid-state fermentation, SSF)가 채종박(Rapeseed meal, RSM)의 체외건물소화율(In vitro dry matter digestibility, IVDMD) 및 단쇄지방산(Short chain fatty acid) 생성에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위해 수행되었다. 외인성 효소 칵테일(첨가 및 미첨가) 및 RSM에 대한 SSF(발효 및 비발효)를 나타내는 2 x 2 요인 설계가 적용되었다. 3-step 돼지 소화율 모델을 적용하여 채종박의 건물 소화율을 분석하였으며, 72시간 대장발효 후 상층액을 수집하여 단쇄지방산 생성량을 분석한 후 칼로리 단위로 변환하여 가소화에너지 소화율을 분석하였다. 소장 (IVDMDh) 및 전장 (IVDMDt) 건물소화율에서는 고상발효된 채종박이 더 높게 나타났다 (각각 p < 0.01). 마찬가지로, 외인성 효소 첨가제 처리구에서 채종박의 소장 소화율(IVDMDh)이 증가하는 경향을 나타냈다(p = 0.06). Acetic acid 및 butyric acid의 생산은 대조구에 비해 고상발효 처리 시 유의하게 더 생산되었으며 (각각 p < 0.01), 이는 총 단쇄지방산의 생산 증가 경향을 나타냈다(p = 0.09). 에너지 소화율에서는 채종박의 고상발효 및 외인성 효소제 첨가가 유의적으로 높게 나타났다 ( p < 0.01). 그러므로 채종박의 고상발효 처리는 단백질 이용성을 비롯한 영양적 가치를 향상시키는데 효과적이라고 사료된다.

This study is concerned with the optimization of the manufacturing process of a hot water extract containing antioxidant activity from Lycium barbarum, traditionally known to have various physiological activities. For the establishment of the optimization process, the central composite design of response surface methodology(RSM) was used. Thirteen extraction processes were performed by encoding the independent variables, extraction temperature (65.9oC–94.1oC) and extraction time (2.59 hr–5.41 hr). As a result of the experiment, the optimal manufacturing conditions for the extract were 340.0 mg/100 g of GAE at an extraction temperature of 94.1oC and an extraction time of 5 hr. The maximum yield of flavonoids was 22.44 mg/100 g of HES at an extraction temperature of 94.1oC and an extraction time of 4 hr. The conditions for producing the extract with the maximum antioxidant capacity (DPPH 92.12%) were 90oC and 4.5 hr extraction time. Therefore, the optimal manufacturing process conditions for extracts containing total phenol content, flavonoid content, and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which are dependent variables, were extraction temperature of 90-95oC and extraction time of 4 hr, which were not significantly different from the actual values. Therefore, Lycium barbarum extract rich in total phenol and flavonoid content related to antioxidant function is expected to be used as a functional food and cosmetic material.

Despite numerous advances in in-vitro embryo production (IVP), many documented factors have been shown to influence the development of mammalian preimplantation embryos and the success of IVP. In this sense, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) correlate with poor outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) due to oxidative stress (OS), which results from an imbalance between ROS production and neutralization. Indeed, excessive production of ROS compromises the structural and functional integrity of gametes and embryos both in vivo and in vitro. In particular, OS damages proteins, lipids, and DNA and accelerates cell apoptosis. Several in-vivo and in-vitro studies report an improvement in qualityrelevant parameters after the use of various antioxidants. In this review, we focus on OS and the source of free radicals and their effects on oocytes, sperm, and the embryo during IVP. In addition, antioxidants and their important role in IVP, supplementation during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro culture (IVC), and semen extenders were discussed. Nevertheless, various methods for determining the level of ROS in germ cells have been briefly described. Still, it is crucial to develop standardized antioxidant supplement systems to improve overall IVP success. Further studies should explore the safety, efficacy, mechanism of action, and combination of different antioxidants to improve IVP outcomes.

본 연구는 조사료 원료인 마늘 껍질의 사료적 가치와 메탄 발생량을 조사하기 위해 in vitro 발효 실험을 수행하였다. Garlic husk를 제외하고 국내에서 널리 사용되는 4가지 조사료 원료(Oat hay, Annual ryegrass, Timothy, Tall fescue)를 실험의 처리구로 구성하였다. In vitro 48 시간 발효 후 건물 소화율, 섬유소 소화율, 암모니아태 질소, 휘발성 지방산, pH, 메탄 발생량을 평가하였다. 가스 발생량은 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 및 48 시간에 각각 측정되었다. 최종 가스 발생량에서 Oat hay가 유의적으로 가장 높았다(p<0.01). Garlic husk는 처리구 중 가장 높은 메탄 발생량을 나타내었다(p<0.01). Garlic husk의 건물 소화율은 Oat hay보다 유의적으로 낮았지만 Annual ryegrass, Timothy, Tall fescue보다 높았다(p<0.01). 섬유소 소화율은 Annual ryegrass에서 가장 낮았다(p<0.01). 총 휘발성 지방산 생성량은 Oat hay에서 가장 높았고(p<0.01), Garlic husk, Timothy, Tall fescue는 유사하였다. 본 연구의 in vitro 발효 성상과 메탄 발생량을 고려할 때, Garlic husk는 국내 주요 조사료를 대체할 영양적 가치를 포함하고 있으나 메탄 저감 효과는 미미할 것으로 추정된다.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of feeding methods on in vitro ruminal fermentation, total gas and methane production in Hanwoo steers. Six Hanwoo steers fitted with rumen cannula (430 ± 21 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to one of three feeding systems: 1) feeding forage 1 hour after concentrate, 2) feeding concentrate 1 hour after forage, 3) feeding mixed ration. Rumen fluid sampled from each animals was incubated 24 hours with maize or timothy substrates in in vitro. Ruminal pH was increased in feeding method 2 or maize substrate than that of other methods or timothy substrate (P < 0.001). The production of total volatile fatty acid, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and valerate were increased when steers fed diets using feeding method 1 or rumen fluid was incubated with maize substrate (P < 0.001). Increased production of total gas and methane was observed in feeding method 1 and maize substrate compared to those of other methods or timothy substrate (P < 0.001). Due to the inconsistent results between ruminal fermentation and gas production in this study, further research is required to estimate effects of feeding method on enteric fermentation and gas production in in vivo.

The Dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) is an important species because of its ability to produce good quality meat, milk, and fibers under harsh environmental conditions. Camels are also crucial for transportation, racing, and as draft animals in agriculture. Therefore, dromedary camels play a critical role in the economy for millions of people living in the arid part of the world. The inherent capability of camels to produce meat and milk is highly correlated with their reproductive performance. Compared with other domestic species, the reproductive efficiency in camelids is low. Although recent reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have been successfully applied to camelids and the birth of live offspring following these technologies has been reported; in vitro embryo production (IVP) has lagged in this species. The development of the IVP system for dromedary camels may be a useful tool for the genetic improvement of this species. IVP in farm animals includes three main steps; in vitro maturation (IVM) of an oocyte, IVF of a matured oocyte, and in vitro culture (IVC) of fertilized oocyte up to the blastocyst stage. This review aims to summarize various factors that influence oocyte quality, IVM, and in vitro embryo development in dromedary camel.

Lilium dauricum is a rare and endangered species belonging to the family Liliaceae. The species contains several bioactive compounds used as functional foods and medicinal agents in Northeast Asia. This study aimed (1) to establish an in vitro bulblet culture using an air-lift bioreactor and callus culture for the conservation of L. dauricum and obtaining its bioactive compounds; (2) investigate the plant phenolic compounds from both cultures system. The highest bulblet production with 12.5-fold increase in growth rate was obtained using MS medium supplemented with 0.5 g L-1 BA and 3% sucrose. Addition of 7% sucrose facilitated bulblet enlargement, with approximate 2.5- and 7-fold increases in diameter and fresh weight, respectively. The highest rate of callus (100%) was obtained using a combination of 1.0 mg L-1 picloram and 0.5 mg L-1 Kinetin. The callus proliferation occurred on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1 picloram, 0.25 mg L-1 kinetin, and 0.25 g L-1 casein hydrolysate. There was a significant difference in the total phenolic compound content of callus, which was 1.5-fold higher than that in the bulblets. These findings indicate a suitable system for optimizing both bulblet and callus culture of L. dauricum, therefore, providing useful bio-materials for industrial purposes and contributing to the conservation of this species.

Although somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-derived embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in pigs have great potential, their use is limited because the establishment efficiency of ESCs is extremely low. Accordingly, we tried to develop in-vitro culture system stimulating production of SCNT blastocysts with high performance in the colony formation and formation of colonies derived from SCNT blastocysts for enhancing production efficiency of porcine ESCs. For these, SCNT blastocysts produced in various types of embryo culture medium were cultured in different ESC culture medium and optimal culture medium was determined by comparing colony formation efficiency. As the results, ICM of porcine SCNT blastocysts produced through sequential culture of porcine SCNT embryos in the modified porcine zygote medium (PZM)-5 and the PZM-5F showed the best formation efficiency of colonies in α-MEM-based medium. In conclusion, appropriate combination of the embryo culture medium and ESC culture medium will greatly contribute to successful establishment of ESCs derived from SCNT embryos.

Up-to-date artificial insemination (AI) using frozen sperm consider as the most widely using technology for improvement of Korean Native Cow (Hanwoo) embryo production. However, it is time consuming, required at least 15~20 years to make more than 6 generations, and their offspring number is limited. To overcome such limitations, superovulation and in vitro fertilization have been developed. For superovulation, the number of produced embryos are not enough for commercialization and donor cows need rest period. This led to use of slaughterhouse ovary for in vitro fertilization, but it is impossible to repeat the collection from the same individual and it only can improve the genetic merits of offspring for one generation. Production of embryos using Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) technique, where oocytes can be repeatedly collected from living elite donor, might overcome these limitations. In this study, we investigated the possibility of using OPU technique from donors at different age and different session periods for mass-embryo-production. Oocytes were collected from 26 donor cows twice per week, 3 - 4 months per year, between 2013 and 2016. Results showed that, the average number of embryo produced in first year used donor was significantly higher than that in second year used donor (3.89 ± 2.85 vs 3.29 ± 2.70), however, there was no significant difference between third year used donor (3.51 ± 3.32) and other groups. Taken together, our data showed that repeated using of donor up to three years is possible for in vitro embryo mass-production. Moreover, OPU can be used as suitable embryo producing technique for livestock breed improvement.

This study was conducted with two ruminally cannulated Holstein steers to examine the effect of micronized and steam flaked corn on ruminal fermentation characteristics. The in situ dry matter degradability after 48 h incubation was the highest (P<0.05) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) compared with steam flaked corn treatments. The steam flacked corn (3.3 mm thickness) was degraded lower (P<0.05) than the 2.9 and 3.1 mm thickness of steam flacked corn. Effective dry matter degradability and the rate of constant were the highest (P<0.05) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) compared with steam flaked corns as well. The in vitro dry matter degradability after 48 h incubation was tended to higher (P=0.088) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) than steam flaked corns, whereas there is no significantly difference between steam flaked corn treatments. Total volatile fatty acid concentration was higher at steam flaked corn (2.9 mm thickness) than micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) and steam flaked corn (3.1 and 3.3 mm thickness). The acetate : propionate ratio was the highest (P=0.008) at steam flaked corn (2.9 mm thickness) and the lowest (P=0.008) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness). Total gas and methane production after 48h ruminal incubation was the highest (P=0.001) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) compared with steam flaked corns. According to these results, the thickness of steam flaked corn as resulted corn processing is believed to do not affect methane production. However, further study is needed to better understand the present results to verify the correlation between corn processing method and their thickness on methane production using the same thickness corns by difference processing methods.