Effects of castration age on growth performance, carcass characteristics and economic efficacy in Hanwoo steers

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effects of castration age on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economic efficacy of Hanwoo steers. There is an increasing interest in extending castration age to enhance the yield of desirable traits in beef, e.g. carcass weight and longissimus muscle area. The calves were divided into four groups based on their age at castration. Body length at 12 months increased with increasing castration age (p < 0.05). Average daily gain and cold carcass weight were higher in the group castrated at 11–12 months than in the group castrated at <10 months (p < 0.05). Marbling scores were higher in the groups castrated at <10 months of age than in the groups castrated at >11 months (p < 0.05). The present results suggest that the most appropriate castration age is below 12 months in Hanwoo cattle.