Effects of nutrient supply level on growth performance, blood metabolites, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo heifers

초록

This study examines the effects of nutrient supply levels on the growth performance, plasma metabolites, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo heifers. Twenty-one heifers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary groups: control (conventional practices), T1 (control + 0.5 kg of formula feed for 17 to 26-month-old heifers), and T2 (control + 0.5 kg of formula feed for 17 to 22-month-old heifers, and control + 1.0 kg of formula feed for 23 to 26-month-old heifers). The average daily weight gain was higher in T1 than in the control and T2 groups, but the difference was not significant. Plasma glucose concentration tended to increase in proportion to the nutrient supply level, whereas the plasma cholesterol concentration was slightly, but not significantly, higher in T2 than in the control and T1. Carcass weight, rib eye area, and marbling score were slightly, but not significantly, higher in T1 than in the control and T2. Thus, the results of this study indicate that from 17 to 26 months of age, a 0.5 kg increase in formula feed exerted a positive effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics in Hanwoo heifers.

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