Korean Journal of Agricultural Science ISSN:2466-2402(Print) 2466-2410(Online) 농업과학연구

This study was conducted to provide basic data for efficient Hanwoo beef production by conducting a comparison of growth performance, blood metabolites, testosterone, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo according to complete and hemi-castration. Twelve Hanwoo calves were allotted to two treatment groups as follows: CC = complete-castration and HC = hemi-castration method of removing only one testicle. At the end of the test, the body weight was 66 kg higher in HC than in CC, and the average daily gain increased by 12.6% (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in HC compared to CC (p < 0.05). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher in CC than HC in both the growing and fattening periods (p < 0.05), and serum testosterone concentrations before castration were similar between HC and CC, but steadily increasing in HC after castration. Back fat thickness and marbling score were significantly higher in CC than HC in the entire period (p < 0.01). In the results of this study, hemi-castration can improve body weight gain and feed conversion ratio due to the influence of male hormones compared to complete castration, but it is considered that there will be difficulties in producing highquality meat with a high marbling score.