TOKAI UNIVERSITY Researchers Guide 2020

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We investigate an animal production system that utilizes regional biological resources, especially native grasslands. This system is expected to bring about the terroir value of products, the function of biodiversity conservation in local ecosystems, the benets of animal welfare in feeding methods, and the application of traditional ecological knowledge found in indigenous cultures. By building the system, we would like to contribute to the sustainable development of rural areas.ResearchAreasAgricultural sciencesKeyword■Biodiversity□Ecosystem service■Grazing■Native grassland□Traditional ecological knowledgeRelatedresearchSDGSustainable terroir grassland agriculture based on the concept of ecosystem servicesProfessorChinobu OkamotoUndergraduate School of AgricultureDepartment of Animal ScienceWe are elucidating the mechanisms of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, fertilization, and development. Furthermore, based on these ndings, we will develop applied technologies such as articial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and genome editing. Experimental miniature pigs (microminipigs) are used as one of the animal genetic resources, and semen preservation experiments and in vitro fertilization are conducted using the microminipigs, and research on their reproductive characteristics is also being conducted.ResearchAreasAgricultural sciencesKeyword■Sperm preservation■In vitro fertilization■Genome editingRelatedresearchSDGAnalysis of spermatogenesis in porcine testis using genome editing technologyProfessorTatsuo KawarasakiUndergraduate School of AgricultureDepartment of Animal ScienceEarly life environment plays a key role in childhood development. In mammalian species, maternal care is important for infants to secure nutrition, to regulate temperature and to accept stimulation (the sense of touch, olfaction and hearing); these experiences construct mother-infant relationship and attachment. Additionally, such the relationship contributes to the physical and neural development. Pups are separated and isolated from their mother a few hours per day on early stage in rodents, resulting that they are exposed to early life stress. Our grope researched their behavior, hormone and neurotransmitter after they become adults.ResearchAreasBiological sciencesKeyword■Early life stress■Behavior■Neuroscience■Animal model■Maternal behaviorRelatedresearchSDGEects of Early Life Stress in mammalian speciesAssistant ProfessorSaki ImaiUndergraduate School of AgricultureDepartment of Animal Science124