Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the effects of whole-crop barley silage (WCBS) and a high-concentrate diet combination to replace a rice straw/concentrate on growth performance, and meat quality of Hanwoo steers (HS). Twenty-four animals were allocated to two groups with a rice straw/concentrate control treatment (CON) and a WCBS/concentrate treatment group. The concentrate was offered to all animals based on live weight after a feeding trial of grass-based diets. Feed intake of WCBS was lower than the CON (p < 0.01) and intake of concentrate was lower in the WCBS group than the CON in all experimental phases (p < 0.01). WCBS increased backfat thickness (BFT) and slaughter weight (p > 0.05). The marbling score was slightly higher in the WCBS group (p > 0.05). WCBS-fed beef had higher crude fat, lower crude protein, and moisture contents. WCBS feeding increased the levels of alpha-linolenic acid (p < 0.01) and decreased arachidonic acid in meat (p < 0.02). Hanwoo steers fed WCBS/concentrate improved feed intake, carcass traits, meat price, palatability, and FA content compared to those fed rice straw/concentrate, suggesting that WCBS is a potential source for improving the growth performance and meat quality in Hanwoo steers with significant economic efficiency.
Highlights
Diet plays a primary role in altering the fatty acid (FA) composition in the body of pigs, sheep, and cattle [1]
The economic efficiency of replacing the rice straw with whole-crop barley silage (WCBS) was determined in comparison with a control diet, based on measurements of meat quality in Hanwoo steers
These results suggest that WCBS could provide an economically balanced concentrate replacer during all experimental periods, which is consistent with previous studies that show that high-quality forages improve performance and feed intake in steers [8,31]
Summary
Diet plays a primary role in altering the fatty acid (FA) composition in the body of pigs, sheep, and cattle [1]. Korean economic changes lead to increases in the demand for high-quality beef. Hanwoo is a major source of cattle meat with highly marbled beef production; it accounted for about 85%. The demand for highly marbled beef has been raised; the use of grain-based diet when the fattening period has been increased in beef industries recently. Concentrate feed has excessive fermentable carbohydrate, which causes acidosis in beef cattle [3]. The replacement of plant-based materials in diet during the fattening period provides a significant impact on acidosis, as well as maintains the integrity and health of ruminal papillae and nutrient absorption. Considerable quantities of concentrate are formulated with mixtures of grass or whole grain cereals, inter alia, to provide energy, protein, and essential nutrients to animals, and have
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
