The Livestock Management Group develops feeding management techniques to maximize cattle productivity based mainly on the aspects of nutrition and the environment.
Areas related to cattle nutrition
We are developing new techniques to utilize rice straw, a byproduct of paddy rice, as feed. Paddy rice is the main agricultural product in the Tohoku region. For this purpose, (1) we establish a method to prepare macerated rice straw silage using general-purpose combines; (2) we identify the feed properties of macerated rice straw silage by comprehensively examining silage quality, feeding and ruminating behavior during feeding, and physiological responses inside the rumen; and (3) we promote the use of macerated rice straw silage by conducting field demonstration testing.
Areas related to feeding management
We will improve the cattle productivity, based on the studies of how management systems and environment affect the stress and comfort felt by cattle, using sleep behavior as an indicator. For example, we develop the methods to create comfortable and low-stress environments by elucidating the changes in sleep behavior due to the changes in feed and/or methods of management.
Areas related to feed management for growing cattle
We develop and verify more effective weaning methods by elucidating the effects of the length of suckling period and the supply of high-nutrient self-supplied feed on calf growth and physiological responses including heart rate variability, to prevent the decreased productivity caused by weaning stress.
The calf and dam rearing together without weaning. The heart rate monitoring system is attached to the calf girth. The SCRUM developed here is fixed just like a bridle. The accelerometer is fixed on the haunch. These measurements record various calf behaviours in a 24-h period.
