Hanwoo Korean Cattle Research Articles

Mutations in calpastatin and μ-calpain are associated with meat tenderness, flavor and juiciness in Hanwoo (Korean cattle): Molecular modeling of the effects of substitutions in the calpastatin/μ-calpain complex

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Calpain 1 and Calpastatin genes previously associated with meat tenderness attributes in other cattle breeds in Korean Hanwoo cattle. The Hanwoo resource population was used to study association of 7 SNPs with beef tenderness, flavor, juiciness, intramuscular fat and shear force. In this association study, CAST:c.182A>G (+0.14, P=0.04) and CAST:c.1985G>C (−0.12, P=0.02) had significant effects on juiciness, but no effects on other traits. In contrast, CAPN1:c.1589G>A was associated with meat tenderness (P=0.01) and juiciness (P=0.04). The CAPN1:c.1589G>A (Val530Ile) SNP marker displayed significant effect on the meat tenderness score which is strongly supported by molecular modeling of the CAPN1:c.1589G>A (Val530Ile) variant that inhibits CAST protein from binding more strongly than the wild-type protein, which may explain its effect on meat tenderness.

Determination of Genetic Diversity among Korean Hanwoo Cattle Based on Physical Characteristics.

This study was conducted to establish genetic criteria for phenotypic characteristics of Hanwoo cattle based on allele frequencies and genetic variance analysis using microsatellite markers. Analysis of the genetic diversity among 399 Hanwoo cattle classified according to nose pigmentation and coat color was carried out using 22 microsatellite markers. The results revealed that the INRA035 locus was associated with the highest Fis (0.536). Given that the Fis value for the Hanwoo INRA035 population ranged from 0.533 (white) to 1.000 (white spotted), this finding was consistent with the loci being fixed in Hanwoo cattle. Expected heterozygosities of the Hanwoo groups classified by coat colors and degree of nose pigmentation ranged from 0.689±0.023 (Holstein) to 0.743±0.021 (nose pigmentation level of d). Normal Hanwoo and animals with a mixed white coat showed the closest relationship because the lowest DA value was observed between these groups. However, a pair-wise differentiation test of Fst showed no significant difference among the Hanwoo groups classified by coat color and degree of nose pigmentation (p<0.01). Moreover, results of the neighbor-joining tree based on a DA genetic distance matrix within 399 Hanwoo individuals and principal component analyses confirmed that different groups of cattle with mixed coat color and nose pigmentation formed other specific groups representing Hanwoo genetic and phenotypic characteristics. The results of this study support a relaxation of policies regulating bull selection or animal registration in an effort to minimize financial loss, and could provide basic information that can be used for establishing criteria to classify Hanwoo phenotypes.

Targeted suppression of μ-calpain and caspase 9 expression and its effect on caspase 3 and caspase 7 in satellite cells of Korean Hanwoo cattle

The calpains play an important role in cell death and cell signalling. Caspases catalyse wholesale destruction of cellular proteins which is a major cause of cellular death. The current study looks at the function of μ-calpain and caspase 9, using RNAi (RNA interference)-mediated silencing, and to observe the mRNA expression level of caspase genes during satellite cell growth. The satellite cells were treated with siRNA (small interfering RNA) of μ-calpain and caspase 9 separately. There was reduction of 16 and 24% in CAPN1 (calpain1)-siRNA2 and CAPN1-siRNA3 transfected cells respectively, whereas it was 60 and 56% in CAPN1-siRNA1 and CAPN1-siRNA4 transfected cells respectively. CAPN1-siRNA4 and CAPN1-siRNA1 treated cells showed more reduction in caspase 3 and 7 gene expression. CARD9 (caspase recruitment domain 9)-siRNA1 and CARD9-siRNA2-treated cells showed reduction of 40 and 49% respectively. CARD9-siRNA1 and CARD9-siRNA2 showed an increase in caspase 3 gene expression, whereas CARD9-siRNA2 showed reduction in caspase 7 gene expression. These results suggest a strong cross-talk between μ-calpain and the caspase enzyme systems. Suppression of target genes, such as μ-calpain and caspase 9, might have genuine potential in the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy.

Mt-COX1, mt-ND1 and CREBP are indicators of intramuscular fat content in Hanwoo (Korean cattle)

We identified differentially expressed genes associated with intramuscular fat content in Hanwoo Korean cattle. Pre-screening with differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR) identified 15 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the muscle of 12- and 27-month-old steers. Eleven genes were validated by qRT-PCR. These 11 DEGs were mainly involved in energy metabolism or were muscle structural or ribosomal proteins. To determine whether these DEGs are associated with adipocyte development, we examined the gene expressions of the 15 genes during preadipocyte differentiation. Two genes associated with energy metabolism, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (mt-COX1) and NADH dehydrogenase I (mt-ND1), and one gene, cAMP response element binding protein (CREBP), showed increased gene expression during adipocyte differentiation. Finally, to determine whether the three genes are associated with intramuscular fat content, we analyzed gene expression in muscles with divergent marbling phenotypes (7.5% vs. 23.5%). The three genes (mt-COX1, mt-ND1 and CREBP) were significantly expressed in highly marbled muscle. Thus, mt-COX1, mt-ND1 and CREBP could be relevant indicators of intramuscular fat content in Hanwoo.

Genome wide QTL mapping to identify candidate genes for carcass traits in Hanwoo (Korean Cattle)

Meat quality traits are the most economically important traits affecting the beef industry in Korea. We performed a whole genome quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping study of carcass data in Hanwoo Korean cattle. Two hundred sixty-six Hanwoo steers from 65 sires were genotyped using a 10K Affymetrix SNP chip. The average SNP interval across the bovine genome was 1.5Mb. Associations between each individual SNP and four carcass traits [carcass weight (CWT), eye muscle area (EMA), back fat thickness (BFT), and marbling (MAR)] were assessed using a linear mixed model of each trait. Combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis (LDLA) detected six potential QTL on BTA04, 06, 13, 16, 17, and 23 at the chromosome-wise level (P<0.05). Two MAR QTL were detected at 52.2 cM of BTA06 and 46.04 cM of BTA17. We identified three genes (ARAP2, LOC539460, and LOC511424) in the QTL region of BTA06 and seven genes (RPS14, SCARB1, LOC782103, BRI3BP, AACS, DHX37, and UBC) in the QTL region of BTA17. One significant QTL for CWT was detected at 100 cM on BTA04 and the corresponding QTL region spanned 1.7 cM from 99.7 to 101.4 cM. For EMA QTL, one significant QTL was detected at 3.9 cM of BTA23 and the most likely QTL interval was 1.4 cM, placing 15 candidate genes in the marker bracket. Finally, two QTL for BFT were identified at 68 cM on BTA13 and 24 cM on BTA16. The LPIN3 gene, which is functionally associated with lipodystrophy in humans, is located in the BFT QTL on BTA13. Thus, two potential candidate genes, acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase (AACS) and lipin (LPIN), were detected in QTL regions on BTA17 for MAR and BTA13 for BFT, respectively. In conclusion, LDLA analysis can be used to detect chromosome regions harboring QTL and candidate genes with a low density SNP panel, yielding relatively narrow confidence intervals regarding location.

Sequence variations of the bovine prion protein gene (PRNP) in native Korean Hanwoo cattle

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is one of the fatal neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) caused by infectious prion proteins. Genetic variations correlated with susceptibility or resistance to TSE in humans and sheep have not been reported for bovine strains including those from Holstein, Jersey, and Japanese Black cattle. Here, we investigated bovine prion protein gene (PRNP) variations in Hanwoo cattle [Bos (B.) taurus coreanae], a native breed in Korea. We identified mutations and polymorphisms in the coding region of PRNP, determined their frequency, and evaluated their significance. We identified four synonymous polymorphisms and two non-synonymous mutations in PRNP, but found no novel polymorphisms. The sequence and number of octapeptide repeats were completely conserved, and the haplotype frequency of the coding region was similar to that of other B. taurus strains. When we examined the 23-bp and 12-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms in the non-coding region of PRNP, Hanwoo cattle had a lower deletion allele and 23-bp del/12-bp del haplotype frequency than healthy and BSE-affected animals of other strains. Thus, Hanwoo are seemingly less susceptible to BSE than other strains due to the 23-bp and 12-bp indel polymorphisms.

Effects of Flaxseed Diets on Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Fatty Acid Composition of Hanwoo Steers

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary level of whole flaxseed (WFS; 0, 10 and 15%) on performance, carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition of serum and subcutaneous, perirenal, and intramuscular adipose tissues of Korean Hanwoo cattle. The daily gains were not different among treatments. Dietary inclusion of WFS decreased (p<0.05) feed intake but improved (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (feed/gain). Backfat thickness and marbling score were increased (p<0.05) by dietary WFS. Carcass weight, dressing percentage, loin-eye area, and carcass yield and quality were not different among treatments. The proportion of C18:3 in serum and, to a lesser extent, in adipose tissues were increased (p<0.01) by dietary WFS, indicating that lipids from WFS escaped ruminal biohydrogenation. Animals fed WFS had lower proportions of saturated fatty acid (SFA; C14:0 and 16:0) and higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; C18:2. 18:3, 20:2, 20:4, 20:5 and 22:6) in perirenal and intramuscular fat than animals fed diets without WFS, resulting in an increased PUFA/SFA ratio. Furthermore, feeding WFS increased (p<0.01) proportions of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in intramuscular fat but decreased (p<0.05) the ω-6/ω-3 ratio. Relative treatment effects were similar between 10 and 15% WFS. Feeding WFS can effectively alter composition of adipose tissues with enhanced feed conversion

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic integration of orbifloxacin in Korean Hanwoo cattle

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of orbifloxacin were studied in six clinically healthy Hanwoo cows after intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Orbifloxacin concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Steady-state volume of distribution and clearance of orbifloxacin after i.v. administration were 0.92 L/kg and 0.24 L/h x kg, respectively. Following i.m. administration, a slow and complete absorption with absolute bioavailability of 101.4%, and a maximum concentration (C(max)) of 1.17 microg/mL at 1.04 h were observed. The in vitro serum protein binding was 14.76%. The in vitro antibacterial activity of orbifloxacin against a pathogenic strain of Mannheimia haemolytica (M. haemolytica), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was determined. The ex vivo activity of orbifloxacin against M. haemolytica strain was also determined, and these data were integrated with the ex vivo bacterial counts to establish AUC(24h)/MIC values producing bacteriostatic action, bactericidal action and elimination of bacteria. Mean values were 32.7, 51.6 and 102.6 h, respectively. From these data, we predict that orbifloxacin, when administered i.m. at a dosage of 2.5-5 mg/kg once a day, would be effective against bovine pathogens, such as M. haemolytica. Additional studies may be needed to confirm its efficacy in a clinical setting, and to evaluate the penetration of the drug in diseased tissues.

Molecular variation in pigmentation genes contributing to coat colour in native Korean Hanwoo cattle

Pigmentation genes such as TYR (tyrosinase), TYRP1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1), DCT (previously TYRP2, or tyrosinase-related protein 2), ASIP (agouti) and MC1R (melanocortin receptor 1) play a major role in cattle coat colour. To understand the genotypic profile underlying coat colour in native Korean Hanwoo cattle and Angus black cattle, portions of the above-mentioned genes were amplified. Sequence analysis revealed variation in the TYRP1 (exon 5) and MC1R genes. Restriction enzyme analysis of these two genes could distinguish between different colours of Hanwoo cattle. Quantitative estimates of melanin and eumelanin in hair from three different-coloured Hanwoo phenotypes and Angus black showed significant differences at the breed and phenotypic levels. Finally, sequence variants in MC1R were associated with total melanin and eumelanin in breeds as well as in Hanwoo phenotypes.

Effects of Flaxseed Diets on Fattening Response of Hanwoo Cattle : 2. Fatty Acid Composition of Serum and Adipose Tissues

Two separate trials were designed to determine effects of dietary level of whole flaxseed (WFS) on fatty acid composition of serum, and subcutaneous, perirenal, intermuscular, and intramuscular adipose tissues of Korean Hanwoo cattle. Twenty- one bulls (trial 1) and 15 cows (trial 2) were assigned to diets containing 0, 10 or 15% WFS. Relative treatment effects were similar between bulls and cows. The proportion of C18:3 in serum and to a lesser extent in adipose tissues were increased by dietary inclusion of WFS, reflecting supplemented lipid composition of WFS that escaped ruminal biohydrogenation. Animals fed WFS had a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids in serum and adipose tissues than animals fed diets without WFS, while the opposite trend was observed in unsaturated fatty acids with little differences between two WFS groups. WFS-fed animals had higher proportions of C18:1, 18:2, 18:3, 20:3, and 22:3 and lower proportions of C12:0, 14:0, 16:0 and 18:0 in intramuscular fat than animals fed diets without WFS. Furthermore, feeding WFS increased proportions of both ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids but decreased the ratio of ω-6/ω-3 substantially. In conclusion, feeding WFS can be an effective method of increasing absorption of unsaturated fatty acids, and subsequent deposition in adipose tissues. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. Vol 17, No. 9 : 1246-1254)

Effects of Flaxseed Diets on Fattening Response of Hanwoo Cattle : 1. Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Two separate trials were conducted to determine effects of dietary level of whole flaxseed (WFS; 0, 10 and 15%) on feed intake, weight gain, and carcass yield and quality of Korean Hanwoo cattle. The daily gains of bulls (Trial 1) were not different among treatment groups, but those of cows (Trial 2) fed WFS 15% were higher (p<0.01) than others. Feed intake of both bulls and cows tended to decrease as dietary level of WFS increased. However, feed conversion ratio (feed/gain) of bulls tended to be improved by dietary inclusion of WFS and was significantly improved (p<0.01) in cows by increasing level of WFS. Neither carcass weight nor dressing percentage were affected by WFS level. Back fat thickness of bulls was decreased (p<0.01) by dietary inclusion of WFS and the same trend was observed in cows without statistical significance. Loin-eye area of bulls was not different among treatment groups but was significantly higher (p<0.01) in cows fed WFS. Carcass yield and quality were not improved by WFS addition. The results indicate that WFS is an acceptable fat source in diets of finishing beef cattle to increase energy density without any adverse effects. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. Vol 17, No. 9 : 1241-1245)

Influence of slaughter weight and sex on yield and quality grades of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) carcasses.

To assess the effects of slaughter weight and sex on APGS (Animal Products Grading Service) quality and APGS yield grade of Korean Hanwoo (n = 20,881) cattle, data were collected from cow, bull, and steer carcasses during a 1-yr period. Factors used to determine quality grade (marbling, meat color, fat color, texture, and overall maturity score) and yield grade (cold carcass weight, adjusted fat thickness, and longissimus muscle area) by the Korean grading system were recorded. Both yield and quality grades were improved (P < 0.01) with heavier slaughter weight, but there was no difference in yield grade for Hanwoo cattle classes heavier than 551 kg (P > 0.01). Longissimus muscle area, adjusted fat thickness, and marbling score increased (P < 0.01) with carcass weight. Bull carcasses showed higher yield but lower quality than those of cows or steers (P < 0.01). The quality grade of steer carcasses was higher (P < 0.01) than that of cow carcasses due to higher marbling scores, lower maturity scores, and heavier carcass weights. Hanwoo carcasses with larger longissimus muscle areas in relation to their carcass weight had lower APGS quality grades. The APGS quality grades were different between yield grade A and B carcasses (P < 0.01), but quality grade was not improved by increased fat thickness beyond the point of yield grade B. Adjusted fat thickness and marbling score showed significant (P < 0.01) differences among all yield grade classes, and this resulted in increased quality grade as yield grade decreased. Adjusted fat thickness showed the strongest correlation (r = -0.63) with yield grade, whereas marbling score had the strongest correlation (r = 0.81) with quality grade. Results showed a negative effect of castration on yield but a positive effect on quality. Also, data showed that Hanwoo carcasses with heavier weights had higher quality grades than those of lighter weight.