Effects of dam’s parity on growth performance, carcass characteristics and economic efficacy of Hanwoo steers

초록

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dam parity on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economic efficacy of Hanwoo steers. 344 Hanwoo calves were divided into five groups based on dam parity (1-2, 3-4, 5, 6, and ≥ 7). Dam’s concentrates feed and roughage were feed twice per day and water was freely available. Calf-starter and roughage were provided one week after birth. Calves and dams were managed in the same pens until the pre-weaning stage and other feeding management was conducted in accordance with the practices of the Gangwon Livestock Technology Research Institute. ADG was higher in the 5 and 6 parity groups compared to the ≥ 7 parity group throughout the experiment (p<0.05). Wither height, rump height, chest girth, and pelvic width of calves at birth showed a positive correlation with dam parity (p<0.05). Body weight and all body conformation traits of 3-month-old calves had positive correlations with dam parity (p<0.05). Net income was higher in the 3-4, 5, and 6 parity groups compared to the 1-2 parity group. Therefore, this study suggests extending the dam parity of Hanwoo cows from the current 2.5 to 5 or 6, considering the increased birth weight, growth performance, and farmer's net income.

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