Effects of substituting concentrates with dried leftover food on growth and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the optimum substitution level of dried leftover food (DLF) in formula feed for Hanwoo (Korean Native Cattle) steers. A total of forty growing steers were assigned to 5 treatments based on substitution level of DLF (at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% level of formula feed). The experiment was carried out with growing steers from 6 months of age to 24 months of age. Average daily gain (ADG) was not affected by DLF substitution level up to 75% of formula feed. However ADG decreased at 100% substitution level. Daily feed intakes were similar among treatments but the amount of feed per 1 kg gain increased with increasing substitution level of DLF. Dressing percentage was around 62% in all treatments without any significant differences. Proportion of quality beef higher than grade 1 was the greatest from animals fed 25% substitution level of DLF. Economic efficiency for Hanwoo steer operator was the highest with 50% substitution level of DLF.