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Correlation between ambient temperature and body weight of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) |
Hyun Sang Kim1 
, Jungeun Kim1
, Pilnam Seong2
, Won-Young Lee3
, Seongshin Lee1
, Jisoo Wi4
, Hye Ran Kim1
, Sung Dae Lee1
, Yookyung Lee1,*
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1Animal Nutrition and Physiology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, Korea
2Animal Products Research and Development Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, Korea
3Department of Beef & Dairy Science, Korea National College of Agricultures and Fisheries, Jeonju, Korea
4Animal Environment Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, Korea |
Correspondence:
Yookyung Lee, Tel: +82-63-238-7460, Fax: +82-63-238-7497, Email: yoo3930@korea.kr
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Received: 12 July 2024 • Revised: 13 September 2024 • Accepted: 12 July 2024 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
Changes in ambient temperature negatively impact livestock productivity, with thermal stress causing physiological changes that affect beef quality and quantity. The calf stage is critical, as thermal stress during this period can have lasting effects on productivity. This study examined the impact of weather conditions on calf growth, carcass traits, and their interrelationships in Korean native Hanwoo steers.
Methods
Data from 8,727 male Hanwoo calves were selected from 41,107 data points. Meteorological data were collected from 60 cities in South Korea between 2016 and 2019. The input data included calf growth, carcass traits, and weather conditions at birth for each calf.
Results
Temperature, relative humidity (RH), and temperature–humidity index (THI) increased from winter to summer and decreased from summer to winter. Summer-born calves had significantly lower body birth weight (BBW) than those born in winter. The average daily gain (ADG) of the calves was highest in winter and lowest in spring and fall. A high carcass weight (CW) was observed in steers born in summer and winter. BBW and ADG were negatively correlated with ambient temperature, RH, and THI. Positive relationships were observed between BBW, ADG, and CW. Only CW was positively correlated with the meat quality grade of steers. Thus, temperature negatively affects the BBW of male Hanwoo calves, in turn affecting the daily gain, CW, and meat quality grade.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that temperature, relative humidity, and THI adversely affect the BBW of male Hanwoo calves, leading to reduced ADG and influencing CW and meat quality grade. Negative correlations were observed between BBW, ADG, and environmental factors, while CW showed positive correlations with BBW, ADG, and meat quality grade. These findings highlight the critical impact of climatic conditions on the growth performance and productivity of Hanwoo cattle.
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| Keywords:
Birth season; Birth weight; Carcass weight; Hanwoo; Heat stress |
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