Sidong Kim

National genetic evaluation (system) of hanwoo (korean native cattle).

Hanwoo (Also known as Korean native cattle; Bos taurus coreanae) have been used for transportation and farming for a long time in South Korea. It has been about 30 yrs since Hanwoo improvement began in earnest as beef cattle for meat yield. The purpose of this study was to determine the trend of improvement as well as to estimate genetic parameters of the traits being used for seedstock selection based on the data collected from the past. Hanwoo proven bulls in South Korea are currently selected through performance and progeny tests. National Hanwoo genetic evaluations are implemented with yearling weight (YW), carcass weight (CW), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF) and marbling score (MS). Yearling weights and MS are used for selecting young bulls, and EMA, BF, and MS are used for selecting proven bulls. One individual per testing room was used for performance tests, and five individuals per room for progeny tests. Individuals tested were not allowed to graze pasture, but there was enough space for them to move around in the testing room. Feeds including roughages and minerals were fed ad libitum, and concentrates were provided at the rate of about 1.8% of individual weight. Overall means of the traits were 352.8±38.56 kg, 335.09±44.61 kg, 77.85±8.838 cm2, 8.6±3.7 mm and 3.293±1.648 for YW, CW, EMA, BF and MS. Heritabilities estimated in this study were 0.30, 0.30, 0.42, 0.50 and 0.63 in YW, CW, EMA, BF and MS, respectively, which are similar to results from previous research. Yearling weight was 315.54 kg in 1998, and had increased to 355.06 kg in 2011, resulting in about 40 kg of improvement over 13 yrs. YW and CW have improved remarkably over the past 15 yrs. Breeding values between 1996 and 2000 decreased or did not change much, but have moved in a desirable direction since 2001. These improvements correspond with the substantial increase in use of animal models since the late 1990s in Korea. Hanwoo testing programs have practically contributed to the improvement in aspects of quality and quantity. In sum, the current selection system is good enough to accommodate circumstances where fewer sires are used on many more cows. Although progeny tests take longer and cost more, they seem to be appropriate under the circumstances of the domestic market with its higher requirement for better meat quality. Consequently, accumulative data collection, genetic evaluation model development, revision of selection indices, as well as cooperation among farms, associations, National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, universities, research institutes, and government agencies must be applied to the Hanwoo selection program. All these efforts will assist the domestic market to secure a competitive position against imported beef under Free Trade Agreement trade system and will provide farmers with higher profits as well as the public with a higher quality of beef.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Carcass Traits in Hanwoo Steer

The data were consisted of 1,262 records for carcass traits observed at Hanwoo steers from 1998 to 2001 at Namwon and Deakwanryung branch of National Livestock Research Institute, Rural Development Administration. Pedigrees of young bulls were traced back to search for magnifying inbreeding. Genetic parameters for carcass traits with Gibbs sampling in a threshold animal model were compared to estimates with REML algorithm in linear model. As the results, most of bulls were not inbred and sire pedigree group was non-inbred population. However, most of the bulls fell in some relationship with each other. Heritability estimates as fully posterior means by Gibbs samplers in threshold model were higher than those by REML in linear model. Furthermore, these estimates in threshold model using GS showed higher estimates than estimates using tested young bulls in previous study and same model. Heritability estimate by GS for marbling score was 0.74 and genetic correlation estimate between marbling score and body weight at slaughter was –0.44. Further study for correlation of breeding values between REML algorithm in linear model and Gibbs sampling algorithm in threshold model was needed.

Research on the Reformation of the Selection Index for Hanwoo Proven Bull

Hanwoo proven bulls have been selected since 1987 and consequently contributed to farmers for the improvement of beef cattle in Korea. The demand for the quality beef production as well as higher production efficiency was erupted after early 2000 as relatively cheap imported beef released. Therefore the pressure on the reformation of selection index for Hanwoo proven bulls have been piled up to furnish with Hanwoos competitive. A total of 734 progeny test data were analyzed to select traits and their weights in the selection index to meet the beef market requirement. Regression analysis with stepwise selection method was used to select proper trait and its weight for selection index. A series of computer simulation was carried out to compare the currently using selection index with the alternate two selection indices proposed in this study. New selection index using standardized breeding values of Loin eye Muscle Area (LMA), Backfat Thickness (BFT) and Marbling Score (MS) with weight ratio 1:-1:6 was proposed. Results showed higher performance in improving MS and BFT gain by 22% and 31% still holding 86%~89% of genetic gain achieved by current index in Carcass Weight (CW) and LMA when new selection index was fitted. Because, new index has little consideration for production cost, further research should be performed to build selection index including cost and income simultaneously. (Key words : Hanwoo, Beef cattle, Proven bull, Selection index, Simulation)

Comparison of Hanwoo Proven and Young Bulls for Major Economic Traits

2004년부터 2006년까지 상 하반기에 후대검정에 공시한 후보씨수소와 동일 시점에 판매한 보증씨수소의 표현형 및 유전 능력을 비교하였다. 12개월령 체중, 도체중 및 등심단면적의 표현형 능력의 경우 대부분 후보씨수소가 유의하게 우수하였으며, 등지방두께 표현형 능력의 경우 후보씨수소가 유의하게 두꺼웠다. 12개월령 체중, 도체중, 등심단면적, 등지방두께 및 근내지방도의 유전능력과 선발지수를 비교한 결과 후보씨수소와 보증씨수소 사이에 대부분 유의한 차이가 없었다. 후보씨수소와 1등급 보증씨수소의 유전능력을 비교한 결과 등심단면적을 제외하고는 유의한 차이가 없었다. 【This study was conducted to compare the phenotypic performance and genetic merits in terms of weight at 12 months, carcass weight, eye muscle area, backfat thickness, marbling score and selection index of Hanwoo young bulls and proven bulls from the year 2004 to 2006. The data of 208 bulls used in this study were taken from the Nnational Hanwoo genetic evaluation coordinated by National Institute of Animal Science. Hanwoo young bulls were superior in the phenotypic performance of weight at 12 months, carcass weight, and eye muscle area showing significant differences from Hanwoo proven bulls in most comparisons. The backfat thickness of Hanwoo young bulls was significantly thicker higher than Hanwoo proven bulls in all comparisons (p】

Performance Comparison of Local and Imported Dairy Semen Used in Rep. of Korea

ABSTRACT The data used in the study were taken from the national dairy genetic evaluation of bulls from 1986 up to 2001. It was conducted to compare the phenotypic performance and genetic merits in terms of production traits, linear traits and selection indexes of four types of dairy semen (Type:semen from Korean proven bull, Type :semen from proven bull imported by National Agricultural Cooperative Federation(NACF), Type :semen imported from USA, Type :semen imported from Canada) used in Korea. The result of national dairy genetic evaluation was used to compare genetic merits. Type was superior in the phenotypic performance of milk yield, milk fat and milk protein and was significantly different from Type . Types of semen were not significantly different in fat when semen from bull born after 1991 were compared. Likewise, types of semen were not significantly different in the genetic merit for milk yield, milk fat, milk protein and milk protein %. Moreso, for profit index (MFP) and Korean type production index (KTPI) it was not statistically different. However type was superior in milk fat % and was significantly different from other types. Type was superior in Final Score of conformation test (FS) and Udder Composite Index (UDC) and significantly different from Type . When semen from bull born after 1991 were compared, types of semen were not significantly different in milk yield and milk protein, although type I was superior in milk fat, milk fat %, milk protein % and MFP and was significantly different from others. Moreover type and type was superior in UDC and were significantly different from others.(

Estimation of Growth Curve Parameters for Body Weight and Measurements in Castrated Hanwoo (Bostaurus Coreanae)

This study was conducted to figure out how the shape of Hanwoo changes over time, examine the rank correlations between the carcass traits which are the selection traits and parameters of growth curve, and determine the correlation between body shape and carcass. Body weight, body measurements and carcass traits were measured from 161 castrated Hanwoo, and 12 growth traits and 5 carcass traits were investigated in total. The logistic model(Nelder, 1961) used for the estimation of growth curve parameters and growth characteristics at inflection point were calculated by these growth curve parameters. The value of this parameter was greatest for pinbone width, which suggests that it is an early ripening trait, while it was lowest for chest girth, suggesting it to be a late ripening trait. The rank correlations of chest depth, chest width, and hip width with backfat thickness steadily increased from 6 to 24 months, while the rank correlations of other traits decreased after 18 months until 24 months of age. Only phenotypic records were analyzed in this study, but for examine the genetic changes over growth phase in Hanwoo, if another additional genetic analysis like as estimation of genetic parameters should achieve, body measurements may be useful traits in proven bull selection.

Development of Algorithm in Analysis of Single Trait Animal Model for Genetic Evaluation of Hanwoo

Estimate breeding value can be used as single trait animal model was developed directly using the Fortran language program. The program is based on data computed by using the indirect method repeatedly. The program develops a common algorithm and imprves efficiency. Algorithm efficiency was compared between the two programs. Estimated using the solution is easy to farm and brand the service, pedigree data base was associated with the development of an improved system. The existing program that uses the single trait animal model and the comparative analysis of efficiency is weak because the estimation of the solution and the conventional algorithm programmed through regular formulation involve many repetition; therefore, the newly developed algorithm was conducted to improve speed by reducing the repetition. Single trait animal model was used to analyze Gauss-Seidel iteration method, and the aforesaid two algorithms were compared thorough the mixed model equation which is used the most commonly in estimating the current breeding value by applying the procedures such as the preparation of information necessary for modelling, removal of duplicative data, verifying the parent information of based population in the pedigree data, and assigning sequential numbers, etc. The existing conventional algorithm is the method for reading and recording the data by utilizing the successive repetitive sentences, while new algorithm is the method for directly generating the left hand side for estimation based on effect. Two programs were developed to ensure the accurate evaluation. BLUPF90 and MTDFREML were compared using the estimated solution. In relation to the pearson and spearman correlation, the estimated breeding value correlation coefficients were highest among all traits over 99.5%. Depending on the breeding value of the high correlation in Model I and Model II, accurate evaluation can be found. The number of iteration to convergence was 2,568 in Model I and 1,038 in Model II. The speed of solving was 256.008 seconds in Model I and 235.729 seconds in Model II. Model II had a speed of approximately 10% more than Model I. Therefore, it is considered to be much more effective to analyze large data through the improved algorithm than the existing method. If the corresponding program is systemized and utilized for the consulting of farm and industrial services, it would make contribution to the early selection of individual, shorten the generation, and cultivation of superior groups, and help develop the Hanwoo industry further through the improvement of breeding value based enhancement, ultimately paving the way for the country to evolve into an advanced livestock country.

Study on Effective Population Size of Holstein Population in Korea

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to estimate the average inbreeding coefficients and effective population size (EPS) and to seek alternatives on the problems of Holstein cattle in Korea. The data used in this study was obtained from the Korean Animal Improvement Association (KAIA) and 635,268 heads of Holstein records out of 1,872,195 Holstein registration data were used for the analysis. The average inbreeding coefficients were estimated at a range of 0.11 to 1.07%. The average inbreeding coefficients at the 14 th , 19 th and 22 nd generation were estimated at 0.43%, 0.92% and 1.07%, respectively. The estimated inbreeding coefficients within the range of 0%, 0 to 6.25%, 6.25 to 12.5%, 12.5 to 25%, and >25% were observed in 50.5%, 48.3%, 0.8%, 0.1%, and 0.3% of the animals, respectively. The estimated effective population size (EPS) was 619 heads from the 8 th to 22 nd generation, and 922 heads from the 19 th to 22 nd generation.( Key words : Inbreeding coefficient, Effective population size, Holstein)

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Average Daily Gain and Carcass Traits of Hanwoo

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to identify the characteristics and estimate the genetic parameters of average daily gain (ADG) and carcass traits of Hanwoo. The data used in this study were 4,681 heads which were performance-tested and 4,442 heads which were progeny-tested in test station of National Agricultural Cooperative Federation. The means and standard deviations of ADG between 6~9 months (ADG:6-9), ADG between 9~12 (ADG:9-12) and ADG between 6~12 (ADG:6-12) from the performance test were 1.04 ± 0.16, 1.11 ± 0.17 and 1.07 ± 0.11, respectively. The phenotypic correlations of ADG:6-9 and ADG:9-12, ADG:6-9 and ADG:6-12, ADG:9-12 and ADG:6-12 were －0.03, 0.66 and 0.65, respectively. The phenotypic correlations of ADG:6-12 with carcass weight (CW), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF), and marbling score (MS) from progeny test were 0.446, 0.199, 0.0266 and 0.045, respectively. Estimated heritabilities from the pooled data were 0.251 (ADG:6-12), 0.298 (CW), 0.424 (EMA), 0.503 (BF) and 0.626 (MS), respectively. Estimated genetic correlations of ADG:6-12 with CW, EMA, BF, MS were 0.606, 0.292, －0.095 and －0.007, respectively. From these results, it could be suggested that selection for ADG significantly affects CW, EMA and BF by correlated response to selection.(

Establishment of Hanwoo(Korean Cattle, Bos taurus, Linn.) Traceability System Using Radio Frequency Identification(RF-ID)

This study was conducted to develop a traceability system for systematic animal identifi- cation to increase efficiency of animal production, post production and processing to ensure that quality and sanitary meat products reach the consumers of the entire country. The new animal identification traceability system was designed for easy management, data collection and storage considering bar code, registration number and farm number.Specifically the system aimed 1) To provide standard radio frequency technology identification (RF-ID) for livestock management, standard of ear tag, microchip and ear tag identification equipment, 2) To guarantee meat product label thereby safeguarding the consumers 3) To give incentives to farmers for producing quality meat products and 4) To provide unified system for national livestock management.Results of the research which started in July 2003 which was used by several farmers’ cooperatives and Department Store revealed the feasibility of using the RF-ID system although much will be done to conform to global nomenclatures.