Effects of different physical forms of concentrate on performance, carcass characteristics, and economic analysis in hanwoo steers

This study was performed to investigate the effects of different forms of concentrate fed to Hanwoo steers on performance, carcass characteristics, and economic performance. Forty-two Hanwoo steers (average age of 5.1 ± 0.8 mo. with body weight of 147.05 ± 10.85 kg) were randomly allotted into FC (animals fed flakes for entire experimental period) and GC (animals fed grounded concentrate during growing and fattening phases followed by flaked concentrate during finishing phase) groups for 758 d after reaching an age of 30.0 ± 0.82 mo. There was no difference in body weight (BW) or ADG between the treatments until fattening (15 ~ 22 mo.) phase. However, by finishing phase (23 ~ 30 mo.), the GC group (739.24 kg BW and 0.67 kg ADG) showed greater (P < 0.05) BW and ADG than the FC group (702.93 kg BW and 0.59 kg ADG). Steers in the GC group also showed greater (P < 0.05) BW and ADG than the FC group throughout the entire experimental period (5 ~ 30 mo.). There was no significant difference in carcass weight or backfat thickness between the treatments. M. Longissimus dorsi area of the GC group (91.00 cm²) was greater (P < 0.05) than that of the FC group (83.59 cm²). Marbling score and percentage of 1⁺⁺ meat quality grade were 14.0 and 48.0% higher in the GC group compared to the FC group. There was no significant difference in physicochemical characteristics, including moisture and crude protein levels, between the treatments. Gross income per head excluding operating expenses was 59.3% greater in the GC group (1,647,512 won) compared to the FC group (1,034,343 won).

The current trend in feeding systems for Hanwoo steers in Korea involves administration of animal feeds in the form of pellets or flakes rather than as grounded feeds. Pellets are formed by grounding and compressing raw ingredients into the shape of a pellet while flakes are processed using high heat and pressure. Hanwoo steers are fed grain-oriented compound feeds to increase their intake and efficiency[1]. However, production costs of Hanwoo farms are rapidly increasing due to skyrocketing prices of grains and animal feeds. As such, there is increasing demand to fortify the competitiveness of the Hanwoo industry by cutting down on production costs, and the most effective method may be simplifying the entire animal feed process. Processing of feedstuffs increases the gelatinization and digestibility of starch, ultimately improving feed efficiency[2]. Gelatinization of starch can be increased by pelleting and flaking by 35% and 50%, repectively[3, 4]. The range of this processing effect and feed efficiency depend on the type of grain, processing method, origin of feed ingredients, and breeding period of cattle[5, 6]. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the processing method of feed with regard to the breeding period of Hanwoo steers. To this end, this study investigated the effects of administration of various physical forms of grain feed during different feeding phases on performance, carcass characteristics, and economic performance in Hanwoo steers, thereby reducing production costs with efficient feed processing methods.

Experimental animals and design

Forty-two Hanwoo steers (average age of 5.1 ± 0.8 mo. with body weight of 147.05 ± 10.85 kg) were randomly allotted into FC (animals fed flakes for entire experimental period; growing, fattening, and finishing phases, 5 ~ 30 mo. of age) and GC (animals fed grounded concentrate during growing, 5 ~ 14 mo. of age, and fattening phases, 15 ~ 22 mo. of age, followed by flakes during finishing phase, 23 ~ 30 mo. of age). Hanwoo steers in the FC (18 steers divided into three pens) and GC (24 steers divided into four pens) groups were administered the assigned diets for 758 d after reaching an age of 30.0 ± 0.82 mo. (Table 1). The animals were sacrificed for meat production and parts of the carcass were used for the analysis with consent from the farmers in this study.

Experimental diets

Experimental diets were formulated by an animal feed manufacturing company located in Kimhae, Korea. Roughages used in this study included timothy, alfalfa, and tall fescue. Chemical compositions of the experimental diets are shown in Table 2 (concentrate) and3 (roughage). Table 4 shows the physicochemical characteristics of corns. Amounts of concentrate and roughages used in the experimental diets were determined by considering the growth stage and nutrient requirements of the animals (Table 5).

Feeding management

Each treatment group was placed in a 5.0 m × 10.0 m pen (six animals per pen) and administered the assigned diets twice per day. All animals had ad libitum access to water. Feed intake was recorded every day, and animals were weighed every month throughout the experiment. Animals were cared and managed according to Korean traditional farm regulations.

Meat quality measurement

At the end of the experimental period, animals were fasted for 24 h, weighed, and slaughtered at a commercial abattoir located in Ansung, Kyunggi province, Korea. Carcass measurement were obtained after chilling for 24 h at 4°C. Carcass yield and quality were graded by meat graders using the criteria provided by Livestock Quality Assessment[7].

Evaluation of carcass chemical composition

a. Chemical composition

Chemical composition, including moisture, ash, crude protein, and fat contents, were analyzed according to the AOAC methodology[8]. Moisture content (%) of loin muscle samples (2 g) was measured by homogenizing and drying samples at 105°C in an oven and then measuring weight loss after drying. Total lipids were analyzed by the soxhelt extraction method. Crude protein content was measured by the Kjeldahl method. Briefly, 0.5 g of loin samples was digested at 450°C for 5 h, distilled by addition of 50% NaOH, and titrated with HCL, after which the total protein amount was calculated by multiplying% N by 6.25.

b. Meat color

Meat color, including Hunter L (lightness), a (redness), and b (yellowness), was determined by a Chroma Meter (CR-10, Minolta Corporation, LTD, Japan).

c. Melting point

Melting point was measured by the slip-point method. Briefly, lipids were extracted from meat samples by cutting them into small pieces with a Hanil Mini Cooking Cutter (Hanil electric co. HMC-150 T), homogenization with chloroform and methanol (2:1 v/v) solution, filtration, and then evaporation with nitrogen. Capillary tubes (100 mm, open) were filled to a height of 1 cm from one end and then placed in a freezer (−20°C) until lipids were firm (about 24 h). After removal from the freezer, the capillary tube was place on a warm incubator, and the temperature was increased at a rate of 1°C per min. with stirring until the lipids melted.

Economic analysis

We analyzed the economic values of Hanwoo steers used in this experiment by calculating the average carcass prices at four different slaughter points. Profits from by-products were also considered as economic values. Feed costs for both the concentrate and roughage used in this analysis were applied as the actual purchase price of the farm where this experiment was performed. Costs for purchasing the calves, bedding, medicine, utilities (water and heating), and castration were averaged based on the number of animals used in this experiment.

Statistics

Data was analyzed by t-test of SAS[9]. Probability values less than 0.05% were considered significant. Data of feed intake and feed conversion rate from the breeding group were excluded from the significance test.

Performance

Changes in body weight (BW) and ADG in steers fed the experimental diets are shown in Table 6. There was no significant difference in BW or ADG between the treatments during growing (5 ~ 14 mo.) and fattening (15 ~ 22 mo.) phases. However, by finishing phase (23 ~ 30 mo.), the GC group (739.24 kg BW and 0.67 kg ADG) showed greater (P < 0.05) BW and ADG than the FC group (702.93 kg BW and 0.59 kg ADG). Consistent with this result, steers in the GC group also showed greater (P < 0.05) BW and ADG than the FC group throughout the entire experimental period (5 ~ 30 mo.). There was no significant difference in feed intake for either concentrate or roughage between the treatments during growing and fattening phases (Table 7). Feed intake for concentrate was 7.4% higher in the GC group compared to the FC group, whereas the feed conversion rate was 6.7% lower in the GC group compared to the FC group during finishing phase. The GC group showed a 3.0% greater feed intake for concentrate as well as a 3.3% lower feed conversion rate compared to the FC group for the entire experimental period. There was no significant difference in feed intake for roughage between the treatment groups. These results indicate that the physical form of concentrate have no affect on the ADG or feed intake of steers during growing and fattening phases. Zinn and Barajas[10] also reported that steers administered various densities of corn and barley for 86 d showed no difference in body weight gain or ADG. Consistent with these results, administration of various densities of sorghum flakes (412, 360, 309, and 257 g/L) did not affect the ADG of steers during growing phase[11]. However, in our study, steers from the GC group during finishing phase showed higher (P < 0.05) BW and ADG than those from the FC group. This result might be associated increased feed intake in the GC group. Furthermore, in a previous report, steers fed mashed concentrate during growing phase and then switched to flaked concentrate during finishing phase showed a greater (by 0.98 kg) ADG compared to those fed flaked concentrate for the entire period[12]. Flaking improves the feed conversion rate by inducing gelatinization of starch[13]. On the other hand, administration of flaked concentrate for the entire feeding period may decrease feed intake by reducing the rumen pH, which is associated with accelerated degradation of starch[14]. Taken together, feeding steers grounded concentrate during growing and fattening phases and then switching to flaked concentrate finishing phase effectively improved ADG and feed intake.

Carcass characteristics

Carcass weight, backfat thickness, M. Longissimus dorsi area, marbling score, and meat color of Hanwoo steers fed the experimental diets are shown in Table 8. Carcass weight of the GC group (4229.57 kg) was numerically, but not statistically, higher than that of the FC group (405.94 kg). There was no significant difference in backfat thickness between the treatments. M. Longissimus dorsi area of the GC group (91.00cm²) was greater (P < 0.05) than that of the FC group (83.59²). Marbling score, which is a meat quality trait, was 18.4% higher in the GC group (6.96) compared to the FC group (5.88). No difference was found in meat color, fat color, texture, or maturity between the treatments. The GC group showed a higher percentage of 1⁺⁺ grade (43.5%) compared to the FC group (29.4%) by 48%. Percentage of quality grade over 1⁺ grade was also higher in the GC group (87%) than in the FC group (29.4%) by 50%. Brandt et al[15] also reported that supplementation of steam-flaked corn to steers increases the M. Longissimus dorsi area. However, carcass weight and backfat thickness are not affected by densities of flaked corn[16]. Moreover, consistent with our current results, NIAS[12] reported that administration of powdered concentrate during fattening phase followed by flaked concentrate during finishing phase to steers increased the marbling score by 13.3% compared to the flake-fed group for the entire period. In the current study, steers in the GC group showed improved M. Longissimus dorsi area and marbling score.

Physicochemical characteristics of carcass

Effects of various physical forms of feeds on the physicochemical characteristics of Hanwoo steers are shown in Table 9. Moisture levels of the M. Longissimus dorsi muscle from steers in the FC and GC groups were 62.91 and 61.48%, respectively. Contents of crude protein in M. Longissimus dorsi muscle from steers in the FC and GC groups were 19.35 and 18.75%, respectively. Crude fat content of the GC group (18.37%) was greater than that of the FC group (15.90%) by 15.5%. The overall range of measured CIE values, including L (lightness), b (yellowness), and h (color), were greater (P < 0.05) in the GC group compared to the FC group. Physicochemical properties of meat are normally affected by moisture and crude fat content[17]. Levels of crude fat and CIE values (L) increase while moisture and crude proten content decrease with an increase in meat quality[18, 19]. Physicochemical characteristics of beef might be preferentially related to meat quality grade rather than the physical form or processing method of feed[20]. Melting point of carcass fat was highest in perirenal fat, followed by intramuscular fat and then subcutaneous fat (Table 10). Although not significant, the melting points of subcutaneous fat and intramuscular fat were lower in the GC group compared to the FC group by 4.0 and 3.0%, respectively. Carcass fat melting point was the greatest in perireral fat, followed by intramuscular fat and then subcutaneous fat. Melting point is highly correlated with fatty acid composition rather than the type or processing method of feed[21]; a higher fatty acid content is associated with a lower melting point and vice versa[22]. Taken together, the GC group with a high marbling score and meat quality grade showed higher carcass physiocochemical properties, including crude fat content and CIE.

Economic analysis

Effects of various physical forms of concentrate on profitability are shown in Table 11. Carcass sale price for the FC and GC groups were 6,036,373 and 6,667,053 won (KRW), repectively. Carcass and by-product sale prices of the GC group were greater than those of the FC group by 10.0%. Total operating expenses, including calf purchase expenses, feed, slaughter, and other expenses, increased by 0.5% in the GC group (5,360,702 won) compared to the FC group (5,334,848 won). Gross income per head excluding operating expenses was 59.3% greater in the GC group (1,647,512 won) compared to the FC group (1,034,343 won). This increase in total revenue in the GC group can be attributed to an elevated carcass weight and percentage of meat grade above 1⁺. Total operating expenses in the GC group were 7.5% greater than those in the FC group due to increased feed intake following replacement of grounded feed by flaked concentrate during finishing phase. Operating expenses in the GC group were also higher due to elevated slaughter expenses due to increased carcass weight. In conclusion, administration of grounded concentrate during growing and fattening phases followed by flaked concentrate during finishing phase improves the profit and productivity of Hanwoo steers.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of different forms of concentrate fed to Hanwoo steers on performance, carcass characteristics, and economic performance. In conclusion, it is plausible that feeding steers grounded concentrate during growing and fattening phases followed by flaked concentrate during finishing phase can improve ADG and feed intake. This feeding strategy increases the profit and productivity Hanwoo steers.

The authors sincerely thank Songchon farmers for their support during this study and for time spent during sampling and examination.

Affiliations

1. Department of Animal Science, Gyeonbuk Provincial College, Yecheong-eup, 757-807, Korea

   • Sung Il Kim

2. Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technolony, Jinju, 757-803, Korea

   • Bo cheon Seo
   •  & In Surk Jang

3. Department of Animal Science, Dong-A University, Busan, 602-714, Korea

   • Ouk Kim

4. Department of Biotechnolony, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 712-749, Korea

   • Chang Bon Choi

5. Moksan Hanwoo Reserch Institute, 108-7, Bujeok-ri, Apryang-myun, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 712-821, Korea

   • Keun Ki Jung

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Keun Ki Jung.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

SIK and BCS participated in the design of study and made farm visits. ISC and OK carried out the laboratory work. CBC performed the statistical analysis. KKJ made farm visits. All authors helped to draft the article and approved the final manuscript.

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