Presentation Overview

My presentation was titled:
“The use of a single sample-type NIRS calibration to predict starch content across feces and feed, based on spectral preprocessing and wavelength selection.”

In this study, I developed an NIR calibration model that can be applied across different sample types—such as feces and feed—to accurately predict starch content through optimized spectral preprocessing and wavelength selection.
Through discussions with researchers specializing in spectroscopy and chemometrics, I gained valuable feedback and new perspectives on data interpretation and model transferability.

Experiences in the U.S.

Covington is a beautiful city with a rich historical atmosphere and scenic views overlooking the Ohio River.
Interestingly, due to the budget shutdown in the U.S., some presentations were canceled—offering a rare opportunity to witness the realities of academic operations under such conditions.

During the conference, I was kindly invited by Prof. Bruce from the University of Cincinnati to visit the farm of Ms. Laura Freeman, a beef cattle producer in the neighboring town .
Ms. Freeman is an inspiring figure who practices environmentally sustainable beef production in collaboration with universities. Her ongoing projects include:

• Soil conservation using biochar,
• Cover crops, rotational grazing, and crop rotation for soil carbon accumulation,
• Pest management methods without chemical agents such as pyrethrin or glyphosate (Roundup).

Her dedication to bridging science and practical farming deeply impressed me and further strengthened my motivation for research.

Laura’s Lean Beef Official Website

Moving forward, I aim to continue advancing research that bridges spectroscopy and animal science, and to deepen the understanding of feed characteristics and digestive dynamics using chemometric approaches.

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The title of my presentation was:
“Determination of Optimal Sample Size for Understanding the Distribution of Fecal Starch in a Fattening Cattle Herd Using Numerical Simulations.”

This year’s meeting was once again full of passionate discussions, cutting-edge research, and inspiring presentations from across the field of animal science. I had the pleasure of connecting with many researchers and professionals, and our conversations offered me valuable insights into new approaches and emerging trends.

I was especially glad to interact with students from Texas A&M University and the University of Guelph in Canada, exchanging ideas and learning about their research.
The city of Hollywood itself was also beautiful—clean streets, palm-lined boulevards, and a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere that made the experience even more enjoyable.

Thank you to everyone I had the chance to meet and speak with.
This was a truly rewarding and stimulating experience, and I look forward to building on the connections I made as I continue my journey in the field of animal science.

The post I Presented at ASAS 2025! first appeared on Masaya Homepage.

The university’s research environment was highly impressive. Their laboratories are equipped with a wide range of analytical instruments, including equipment for proximate composition analysis, organic acid measurement, and in vitro digestion trials. These resources provide a robust foundation for conducting advanced research in ruminant nutrition.

I also had the chance to tour the university’s experimental farm, which is currently undergoing expansion with new buildings under construction. The farm is extensive and home to not only beef cattle, but also pigs and poultry. One particularly remarkable aspect was the presence of multiple fistulated cattle, which allow for direct sampling of digesta from different parts of the digestive tract. This setup creates an ideal environment for evaluating the impact of feed components, especially in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Drs. Harmon and Trotta primarily focus on studies related to starch digestibility and utilization in beef cattle. Since starch accounts for nearly 50% of the energy supply in feedlot diets, improving starch utilization is essential for enhancing growth performance and feed efficiency. Research in this area plays a critical role in optimizing nutrition strategies and reducing nutrient losses.

This visit provided a valuable opportunity to observe their facilities firsthand and gain insights into current research practices in the U.S. I hope to maintain this connection and look forward to greeting them again at future academic meetings.

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Although I was the only participant from Mie University, I had the valuable opportunity to connect and spend time with faculty and students from the University of Guelph (Canada). This allowed me to gain insights into the current academic environment and research trends in North America. Through these interactions, I was once again reminded of the importance of international networking and academic exchange.

My research background is primarily in the beef cattle sector, so I found the presentations focused on dairy science both refreshing and intellectually stimulating. While there were relatively few presentations on optical analysis and machine learning—my areas of expertise—I recognized significant potential for these methods to contribute to dairy science. This reaffirmed my belief that my technical skills and knowledge could play a valuable role in this field moving forward.

The title of my presentation was:

“Sample size and content range for calibration transfer on milk fatty acid analysis using Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy”

Through this presentation, I was also able to engage in discussion with a doctoral student from University of Liège (Belgium), who is also conducting research using infrared spectroscopy. We exchanged information on the use of IR spectroscopy in Europe, which gave me a broader perspective on international research environments.

I hope to continue participating in ADSA in the future, expanding my global perspective and exploring new possibilities for applying my research.

The post Report on Participation and Presentation at ADSA 2025 Annual Meeting first appeared on Masaya Homepage.

At a bison ranch, I observed the use of GreenFeed for feeding and greenhouse gas measurements. GreenFeed is a device that measures methane emissions when animals consume feed, providing valuable data to help reduce livestock greenhouse gas emissions. As climate change mitigation becomes increasingly important, the advancement of such technologies will be crucial in the future.

At Cottonwood, one of SDSU’s research farms, studies on beef cattle management were being conducted. Research utilizing virtual fencing, a technology that has gained attention in recent years, was also underway. Virtual fencing allows for the management of animal movement using GPS and sensors without the need for physical fences. This technology has the potential to improve grazing efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Although virtual fencing is not yet widely adopted in Japan, it is an exciting field with significant future potential.

I also had the privilege of learning from Dr.Ira, who is conducting research on utilizing cattle location data in pastures. By analyzing GPS data, he studies cattle movement patterns and optimizes grazing management. This research is expected to contribute to improved livestock health monitoring and grazing efficiency.

This visit provided me with a valuable opportunity to learn about the forefront of sustainable livestock management. Research on greenhouse gas measurement using GreenFeed, virtual fencing, and cattle positioning technologies all have great potential to contribute to the future of the livestock industry. I sincerely appreciate Dr.Hector, Dr.Ira, and everyone at SDSU for their hospitality! Moving forward, I aim to incorporate these cutting-edge technologies into my own research and continue learning about innovative livestock management methods.

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I was also invited to a networking event, where I engaged in lively discussions and explored new possibilities in near-infrared research. This experience significantly deepened my understanding and enhanced my research activities. Moving forward, I plan to continue participating in this forum while actively seeking opportunities to attend international conferences to broaden my perspective!

The post Presentation at the Near-Infrared Forum first appeared on Masaya Homepage.

During the conference, there were various opportunities to connect with others, such as a networking event and a Science Night. I had the chance to meet and interact with many participants. One thing that particularly stood out to me was the significant number of PhD students. Just two or three years ago, PhD students were rarely seen at these events, but this time, there were many, allowing for numerous in-depth discussions.

I hope to continue attending conferences like this in the future and collaborate on research projects and other academic endeavors.

The post Presentation at the Japanese Society of Animal Science (JSAS) 2024 first appeared on Masaya Homepage.

As the only oral presenter from Japan, I felt a bit nervous, but my presentation went smoothly without any issues. I received positive feedback from many people. This experience has motivated me to dedicate myself even more to my research.

Next year’s conference will be held in California, and I am determined to participate.

After the conference, I visited the University of Alberta（University of Alberta (ualberta.ca). I toured various places, including the campus, laboratories, and farms, and was able to observe research sites abroad. The scale of these facilities was impressive.

Professor Ooba from the University of Alberta, as well as Cosmas, whom I met at the conference, guided me around the university, allowing me to see the deeper aspects of their research.

I plan to bring the knowledge I gained back to Japan and apply it to my research.

Below is the actual presentation.

The post Presentations at the international conference and visits to the University of Alberta first appeared on Masaya Homepage.

I hope my talk was of some help to them in their future career paths. I sincerely hope that as they continue to work hard and learn, they will be able to move toward a great future.

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I received sharp questions from the audience, and it was a very valuable experience for me.

You can see a detailed view of the venue from the Mie University website below.

三重大学 | 「三重大学アカデミックフェア 2023」を開催しました (mie-u.ac.jp)

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