Effect of Hemi-Castration on the Productivity, Histological Characteristics, and Economic Efficacy of Korean Beef Cattle

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Steers and bulls exhibit clear differences and corresponding disadvantages. We evaluated that the effect of hemi-castration on the growth performance, serum testosterone levels, carcass traits, histological characteristics, and economic efficacy of Korean beef cattle (Hanwoo) to determine if hemi-castration can compensate for the disadvantages of steers and bulls. Results show that hemi-castration achieve better average daily gain and carcass weight than castration, but it lowers the marbling score and auction prices; thereby negatively affecting net income. This is due to the constant release of testosterone from one testicle. Based on the findings of this study, castration is essential to produce high-quality beef because the level of serum testosterone secreted in hemi-castration can inhibit fat development as much as in bulls. ABSTRACT: We evaluated the growth performance, serum testosterone, carcass traits, histological characteristics, and economic efficacy of castrated and hemi-castrated Korean beef cattle. Thirty-two Hanwoo calves (Initial body weight: 148.4 ± 19.8 kg) were randomly assigned into the castrated Hanwoo (CH) and hemi-castrated Hanwoo (HH) group. The experiment lasted 18 months; the animals were all slaughtered on the same day. Final body weight and average daily gain (ADG) tended to increase in the HH group compared to the CH group. Testosterone concentration was higher in HH group (5.27–14.27 ng/dL) than in the CH group (0.47–0.70 ng/dL) during the whole experimental period after castration (p < 0.05). Rib eye area was 17.08 cm(2) wider in HH group than in CH group, but marbling score was improved by 3.33 in CH group compared to HH group (p < 0.01). Deposition area of adipocytes in Longissimus dorsi were higher in CH group than in HH group (p < 0.001). Net income per head was 1760 US dollar higher in the CH group than in the HH group (p < 0.04). Thus, our findings suggest that hemi-castration had positive effects on the increase in ADG and meat yield traits, with negative effects on marbling and profitability.