Se Young Jang

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of fermented red ginseng marc

Red ginseng marc (RGM) is generally discarded as waste, even though it contains bioactive components. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the bioactive components and properties of RGM extracts prepared via the fermentation of Bacillus subtilis (BSRGM) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SCRGM). Polyphenols were not detected in non-fermented RGM (NRGM) extracts, whereas the polyphenol levels in RGM extracts significantly increased with fermentation. The BSRGM and SCRGM extracts showed significantly higher free radicals scavenging activity than those of NRGM extracts. Treatment with the fermented RGM extracts also increased IgA levels compared to that of NRGM extracts, whereas it decreased IgE production by the mesenteric lymph node, spleen, and Peyer’s patch lymphocytes. These results suggest that fermented RGM extracts may ameliorate inflammation. In addition, the phenolic compounds in fermented RGM extracts may have biological activity, making fermented RGM extracts a potential natural resource that could be used in the functional foods industry.

Effect of Taurine on In Vitro Migration of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Carcinoma Cells

Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Large number of scientists report that 17β-estradiol promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, motility and invasion. However the detailed mechanism remains largely unknown. Metallopeptidase inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), are glycoproteins that are expressed in several tissues of organisms. The glycoproteins are natural inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of peptidases implicated in degradation of the extracellular matrix. In this study we investigated the effect of taurine on migration-related genes expressions in human breast cancer cells. Our results showed that the expressions of migration-related genes such as VEGF and MMPs were significantly stimulated by 17β-estradiol. On the contrary, taurine significantly blocked the expression of VEGF and MMPs against 17β-estradiol. In addition, taurine increased the expression of TIMPs which were suppressed by 17β-estradiol. We also demonstrated that taurine suppressed cell migration in a dose-dependent manner using Radius™ technology.

Effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber content on dry matter intake, digestibility, and chewing activity in Korean native goats ( Capra hircus coreanae ) fed with total mixed ration

Objective This experiment was to determine proper physical traits in the diet for goats by investigating the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content on dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, and chewing activity in black goats fed with total mixed ration (TMR). Methods Six growing wethers of Korean native black goats (Capra hircus coreanae) aged 8 months and weighing between 26.9 kg and 27.1 kg (27.03±5.05 kg) were used in this experiment. Three diets of varying peNDF content were obtained by original TMR (T1), 12,000 rpm grinding (T2), and 15,500 rpm grinding (T3) of the same TMR diet. The peNDF1.18 content of the experimental diets was 23.85%, 21.71%, and 16.22% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Results Average daily gain (ADG) was higher in T2 group compared to those of the control and T3 groups, but ADG and DMI were not affected by the dietary particle size and peNDF content. Also, there was no difference between apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude fiber, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Although there was no significant difference, rumination and total chewing time were associated with decreased peNDF content. Conclusion The feeding of peNDF-based TMR showed no impact on apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. Further studies are required with a wider range of dietary peNDF level and particle size to better identify the effect of dietary peNDF and particle size on chewing activity and performance in goats.

Current Status of Forage Use on the Goat Farming in Mountainous Pasture

This study was carried out to offer basic information for the promotion of the goat industry and the improvement of mountainous-pasture management by investigating seasonal changes in forage and livestock productivity according to the grazing-pasture type. The forage productivity of rangeland was the highest (p

Fatty acid compositions, free radical scavenging activities, and antioxidative enzyme activities of high-preference and low-preference beef cuts of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows

Objective This study compared fatty acid compositions and antioxidant activities of high-preference cuts (loin, tenderloin, and rib) and low-preference cuts (brisket, topside, and shank) of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows to obtain potentially useful information for promoting the consumption of various low-preference cuts. Methods Individual 500 g samples of fresh beef were collected from each of the six cuts from 10 Hanwoo cows (quality grade 1) and immediately freeze-dried. The dried samples were evaluated for fatty acid composition, free radical scavenging activities (hydroxyl, alkyl, and 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical), and antioxidative enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutathione-S-transferase [GST], and superoxide dismutase [SOD]). Results The percentages of total polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in low-preference cuts than in high-preference cuts (p<0.05). Hydroxyl, alkyl, and DPPH radical scavenging activities were significantly higher in low-preference cuts than in high-preference cuts (p<0.05). In addition, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as GPx, GST, and SOD, were significantly higher in low-preference cuts compared with high-preference cuts (p<0.05). Conclusion These results may influence consumers to include more low-preference cuts in their selections based on the nutritional facts, which could help to balance the beef market in South Korea.

Characteristics of vocalisation in Hanwoo cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) under different call-causing conditions

The present study provided basic data regarding cattle farming on the basis of animal welfare, by using Hanwoo cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) vocalisations. We collected and analysed cattle-vocalisation data during situations that commonly occur during cattle farming (steer handling call, n = 130; heifer handling call, n = 418; heifer oestrus call, n = 454; heifer feed-anticipation call, n = 124; calf introduction call, n = 212) at a Hanwoo cattle farm and investigated differences in vocalisation parameters (call duration, call intensity, fundamental frequency, first formant, second formant, third formant, fourth formant) according to the type of call. Regarding call duration, intensity and first formant, the heifer oestrus call was significantly (P < 0.05) longer than were the other calls. The calf introduction call was the second longest in duration and first formant. Regarding fundamental frequency, the steer handling call was significantly higher than were the other calls (P < 0.05), with the heifer oestrus call being the lowest by a significant amount (P < 0.05). Regarding the second and third formants, the feed-anticipation call had a significantly higher frequency than did the other calls (P < 0.05). Regarding the fourth formant, the steer and heifer handling calls showed the highest frequency levels by a significant margin (P < 0.05). The calf introduction and heifer oestrus calls scored the lowest for the third formant and fourth formant (P < 0.05). Ultimately, vocalisation-parameter analysis of Hanwoo in different situations enabled the classification of an auditory communication system on the basis of their physiological and emotional states. Such vocalisation research data can be used for animal welfare and to enable more advanced and precise cattle farming.

Behavioral characteristics of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steers at different growth stages and seasons

Objective This research analyzed behavioral characteristics of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steers during each season and growth stage to enable measurement of the animals’ welfare level for precision livestock farming. Methods A hundred-eight beef steers were divided into three equal groups at a Hanwoo farm according to their growth stage: growing stage (GS), 8 months; early-fattening stage (EFS), 19 months; and late-fattening stage (LFS), 30 months. Twelve behavioral categories were continuously recorded for 13 day-time hours in each four seasons with three replications. Results Time spent standing was found to be significantly longer in summer at all growth stages (p<0.05). Hanwoos at the GS spent significantly longer standing time in spring and summer than those at the EFS and LFS (p<0.05). Lying time in summer was the shortest for all growth stages (p<0.05). Steers at the LFS spent significantly longer lying time than that at the GS (p<0.05) in summer. For GS and EFS, time spent eating in spring and autumn were longer than in summer and winter (p<0.05). Eating time was the longest for the GS in spring, autumn, and winter, excluding for the LFS in winter (p<0.05). Regarding ruminating, steers at the LFS spent significantly shorter time than those at other stages in all seasons (p<0.05). GS and EFS steers showed the longest walking time in summer compared with other seasons (p<0.05). At GS and LFS, drinking time in summer was the longest of all seasons (p<0.05). Sleeping time was significantly shorter in summer compared with the other seasons (p<0.05). Self-grooming time was the longest in winter for all growth stages (p<0.05). Conclusion Steers were found to have more variable behavioral patterns during summer and the GS and less active behaviors during the LFS, thus extra care seems necessary during the GS, LFS, and summer period.

Effects of Physically Effective Neutral Detergent Fiber Content on Intake, Digestibility, and Chewing Activity in Fattening Heifer Fed Total Mixed Ration

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content in total mixed ration (TMR) on dry matter intake, digestibility, and chewing activity in fattening Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) heifers. The experiment was designed as a replicated 3×3 Latin square using 12 heifers. Fattening heifers were offered one of three diets [high (T1), medium (T2), and low (T3) peNDF] obtained by different mixing times (3, 10, and 25 min) for the same TMR feed. The peNDF content of TMR was determined by multiplying the proportion of dry matter retained by a 1.18 mm-screen in a Penn State Particle Separator by the dietary NDF content. The peNDF1.18 content was 30.36%, 29.20%, and 27.50% for the T1, T2, and T3 diets, respectively (p<0.05). Dry matter intake was not affected by peNDF content in TMR. Total weight gain in T1 group was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in T2 and T3 groups. However, weight gain did not differ between T2 and T3 groups. The feed conversion ratio decreased with an increase in the peNDF content (T1: 12.18, T2: 14.17, and T3: 14.01 g/g). An increase in the peNDF content of TMR was associated with a linear increase in the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (p<0.05). Also, an increase in peNDF content of the TMR resulted in a linear increase in the number of chews in eating and ruminating (p<0.05), and consequently in the number of total chews (p<0.05). These results indicate that peNDF content affects digestibility and chewing activity. Consequently, the peNDF content of TMR should be considered for improving feed efficiency, digestibility, body weight gain, and performance in fattening heifers.

Effects of Physically Effective Neutral Detergent Fiber Content of TMR Feed on the Productivity and Carcass Characteristics in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Steers

This study was carried out to evaluate accurately physical characteristics of total mixed rations (TMR) by investigating the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber content on the growth performance and carcass characteristics in fattening steers. Twelve Hanwoo (Bos Taurus coreanae) steers aged 26 months were used in this trial. Steers were offered one of two total mixed ration (TMR) diets - High or Low physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content groups-that were differentiated by mixing time. The carcass traits of the experimental animals were evaluated by Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation (KAPE) after slaughter. Body weight gain during the experimental period was significantly higher (P) compared with the Low group (), and daily weight gain was also high in the former. Although there was no significant difference, the carcass weight was higher in the High group () compared with the Low group (). However, the beef quality grade of the Low group () was higher than that of the High group (). Increases in body weight gain, daily gain, and carcass weight for the High group were mainly influenced by a high level of dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility; consequently, back-fat thickness increased and the beef quality grade was lowered. Because growth performance and carcass characteristics were affected by the physical traits of the diet, we suggested that proper peNDF content is also needed for fattening steers.

Seasonal changes in the body surface temperature of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steers

The present study aimed to gather basic information on measuring body surface temperature (BST) of cattle by using infrared thermography (IRT) and find out whether BST measurement is a useful method to detect thermal balance of livestock. Twenty-seven Hanwoo steers were examined in a field trial. The BST of five body regions (eye, nose, horn, ear, rear) was measured five times daily, with three replicates, during 3 days each season. Body surface temperature of cattle is directly affected by ambient temperature and humidity, and showed different ranges for each region. The BSTs of nose, horns and ears were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of eyes and rear area. Rear-area BST was significantly lower than eye-area BST when the ambient temperature was low (P < 0.05). Eye BST (EBST) was highest (P < 0.05) and the least variable of all BSTs measured. Therefore, the eye area of cattle was the most thermostable part of the body. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences among seasonal EBSTs of steers. The EBST range was highest in the summer (37.9–42.2°C), followed by autumn (34.3–37.4°C), spring (33.8–36.5°C) and winter (29.8–32.6°C). During extreme cold, EBST showed a large standard deviation. During conditions of extreme heat, EBST was above the average body temperature of cattle. The results of the present study indicated that BST well reflects the thermal circumstances surrounding animals and may be used as one of the effective tools for precision cattle farming.