Effects of mulberry (Morus alba L) silage supplementation on the haematological traits and meat compositions of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steer

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with mulberry silage on hematologic traits and meat compositions in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steer fed total mixed rations and to determine application possibility of mulberry silage as a functional feed source in the beef industry. Twenty steer (622.5±12.7 kg) of the late fattening stage were assigned to either a group with mulberry silage supplementation (MSS) or without (control). No significant differences were found in serum total protein and albumin concentrations. There was no difference between control and MSS in serum cholesterol concentrations but a significant difference (P<0.05) was noted in serum cholesterol concentrations before and after the experiment for the MSS. Dry matter and ether extract content of Longissimus dorsi for MSS were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those for control. However, crude protein of L. dorsi was significantly lower (P<0.05) in MSS than in control. Although no significant change was apparent in content of saturated fatty acids in L. dorsi between control and MSS, some fatty acids including arachidate and behenate were significantly (P<0.05) changed with mulberry silage supplementation. Total free amino acids showed similar levels in the two groups. Levels of most free amino acids were significantly higher (P<0.05) in MSS than in control. In conclusion, MSS changed the serum biochemistry in Hanwoo steer of the late fattening stage and caused relative alterations of chemical composition in L. dorsi. Key words: Hanwoo steer, mulberry silage, meat composition, fatty acid composition, free amino acid.