Effect of supplementation of rumen-protected choline with soluble vitamins on hepatic function and carcass characteristics in Hanwoo steers

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing rumen-protected choline with soluble vitamins (RPCSV) on growth performance, plasma profiles, and carcass characteristics in Hanwoo steers. Forty-five steers were fed 0 (T0), 50 (T50), or 100 g (T100) of RPCSV daily for 6 months. The average daily gain was not affected by RPCSV supplementation. The concentrations of total bilirubin (P < 0.05), aspartate glutamyltransferase (P < 0.01), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.01), glucose (P < 0.01), nonesterified fatty acids (P < 0.05), blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.01), and triglycerides (P < 0.01) differed depending on the RPCSV supplementation period in each treatment group. Backfat thickness (P < 0.05) and yield index (P < 0.01) were affected by RPCSV supplementation. Thus, the results of this study indicated that plasma profiles related to energy, protein, and lipid metabolism increased due to improved liver function with RPCSV supplementation.