論文 - 徳永 忠昭
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Kawasue K., Win K.D., Tokunaga T.
Animals 16 ( 3 ) 2026年2月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Animals
Live weight is widely used as a reference indicator for growth performance and for evaluating the accuracy of weight measurement technologies in pig production. However, live weight is not a fixed physiological quantity, and finishing pigs naturally experience substantial short-term mass fluctuations due to normal behaviors such as drinking, feeding, urination, and defecation. In this study, we integrated published physiological and behavioral parameters into a stochastic simulation model to quantify within-day live-weight dynamics in finishing pigs weighing approximately 100 kg. The simulation was conducted with 1-min temporal resolution over a 24-h period. The model demonstrated that short-term weight fluctuations of approximately ±3–5 kg can occur within a single day, even when measurement error is minimal. Across 1000 simulated pigs, the mean daily fluctuation range was 4.2 kg, confirming that kilogram-scale variation is physiologically expected under normal conditions. These results provide a plausible physiological basis for understanding the frequently reported discrepancies between camera-based weight estimates and instantaneous floor-scale measurements. Camera systems primarily reflect body mass derived from external morphology, whereas floor scales measure instantaneous total mass that includes transient contributions from gastrointestinal contents, ingested water, and retained waste. Consequently, direct comparisons based on instantaneous scale readings can be misleading when used as ground truth. Our findings indicate that commonly cited accuracy claims of ±2–3 kg for camera weighing systems should be interpreted with caution, as normal physiological weight variation often exceeds this range. Recognizing live weight as a dynamic physiological variable is essential for developing biologically meaningful evaluation frameworks and for the appropriate interpretation and comparison of weight measurement technologies in precision livestock farming.
DOI： 10.3390/ani16030498
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Handheld Pig-Weight Estimation Using an RGB-D Sensor 査読あり
Win K.D., Kawasue K., Tokunaga T., Iki Y.
Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering 1322 LNEE 95 - 103 2025年2月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering
Although mechanical weighing machines specialized for pigs are normally used to measure animal weights on pig farms, guiding those animals onto the weighing machines is a difficult and unpleasant chore that normally takes 20 seconds to complete after the pig is positioned on the load cell. Additionally, pig weighing machines are prone to mechanical breakdowns and are unpleasant to repair because of the farm residue they collect. Therefore, the development of a more practical and robust weight measurement apparatus is desired. In the present paper, we report on a handheld weight estimation device using a red-green-blue-depth (RGB-D) sensor with a laser slit system. An RGB-D sensor system is used to estimate pig weights, and the laser slit is used to align the measurement direction of the RGB-D sensor along the pig’s body. In operation, this system captures a depth image of the pig under examination and then uses it to create three-dimensional (3D) data. The 3D body parameters are extracted using image processing, and those extracted 3D body parameters for the pig are then fed into a random forest algorithm to produce the weight estimation. We also report on experimental results that demonstrate the reliability of our pig weight estimation system and its suitability for practical use.
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Robust pig extraction using ground base depth images for automatic weight estimation 査読あり
Win K.D., Kawasue K., Tokunaga T.
Artificial Life and Robotics 30 ( 1 ) 42 - 50 2025年1月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Artificial Life and Robotics
Dark colored pigs (Berkshire, Duroc, etc.) are widely recognized nationwide in Japan for their exceptional taste, with the southern Kyushu region being a renowned production area for these esteemed breeds. However, estimating the weight of these pigs using a camera presents a unique challenge. The key process in a camera-based weight estimation system is the precise extraction of the target pig from the background. Typically, cameras capture images from above, as the top-view images provide the most specific growth indicators. However, the image from above contains a ground image. Since Berkshire and Duroc pigs are black and red, respectively, they blend into the ground, making it difficult to accurately segment the pigs in the images. Thus, it is crucial to perfectly distinguish between the ground and the pigs. Therefore, a new extraction method is proposed to distinguish between the ground and pigs by converting depth data based on the pig's position. To enhance the efficiency of pig farming and alleviate the burden on workers, our goal is to develop a system that automatically measures the weight of Berkshire pigs for shipment without background interference. In this study, we installed the system at a Berkshire pig farm and demonstrated the effectiveness of this innovative extraction method for camera-based weight estimation.
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The efficacy of crossbreeding on reproductive and productive performance in New Zealand White and Flemish Giant rabbits 査読あり 国際共著
Lydia Masara, Fortune Jomane, Sizo Moyo, Jessica Pullen, Reagan Mudziwapasi, Chiedza Mgumba, Samkeliso Moyo, Tadaaki Tokunaga, Alban Mugoti
Bulgarian Journal of Animal Husbandry 61 ( 5 ) 18 - 24 2024年10月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）
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地域飼料資源を主体とした発酵TMR給与による黒毛和種経産老廃牛の肥育試験 査読あり
松浦千聖，大野篤太，山野勇朔，徳永忠昭，田尻優生，木村 萌，高橋俊浩，小林郁雄，川島知之
肉用牛研究会報 ( 114 ) 5 - 13 2023年1月
記述言語：日本語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）
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Metabolic Profils and Their Correlation with Carcass Traits in Japanese Black Steers under Progeny Testing 査読あり 国際共著
Tadaaki TOKUNAGA, Fortune Ntengwa JOMANE, Toshihiro TAKAHASHI, Hiromu KATAMOTO, Ikuo KOBAYASHI, Kenichi YOSHIMUTA, Ryuji OKUNO and Takafumi ISHIDA
日本暖畜産学会報 64 ( 2 ) 89 - 95 2021年9月
担当区分：筆頭著者 記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）
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Diversity of the Tellurite Resistance Gene Operon in <i>Escherichia coli</i>. 査読あり
Nguyen TTH, Kikuchi T, Tokunaga T, Iyoda S, Iguchi A
Frontiers in microbiology 12 681175 2021年5月
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Tokunaga T., Jomane F.N., Mandai S., Ishida T., Hirooka H.
Animal science journal = Nihon chikusan Gakkaiho 92 ( 1 ) e13533 2021年1月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Animal science journal = Nihon chikusan Gakkaiho
The objective of this study was to develop mathematical equations for describing the change in marbling in Japanese Black steers using longitudinal measurements. Serial ultrasound measurements were taken at 14, 16, 20, and 26 months of age and analyzed using an image analysis software. The longitudinal marbling measurements from the ultrasound images and carcasses were fitted into a nonlinear logistic curve. Data used for the analysis consisted of 749 steers that converged in nonlinear curve fitting and showed reasonable estimated parameters of the logistic curves. The average predicted mature beef marbling score (BMS) and maturation rate were 6.26 and 0.353, respectively, and the average maturity levels at 24 months of age were 83.9%. The heritability estimates for the predicted maturity traits were moderate, indicating that these traits may have potential for genetic improvement. There was a negative relationship between the expected progeny differences between carcass BMS and maturity traits, suggesting that genetic improvement by carcass BMS may lead to the selection of bulls with late maturity for marbling. The results indicate that ultrasound and model building for marbling can be useful tools to correctly select candidate bulls with high marbling in the early fattening period.
DOI： 10.1111/asj.13533
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Crowing characteristics of native singing chicken breeds in Indonesia 査読あり
Bugiwati S.R.A., Dagong M.I.A., Tokunaga T.
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 492 ( 1 ) 2020年6月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
© Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd. Singing chicken is germplasm, genetic resources, indigenous chicken in Indonesia and be known of their unique, exclusive, superiority of singing style with long-melodious rhythm, and different crowing style-tone-tempo comparing with other singing chickens breeds in the world. Some crowing character information was needed to optimize conservation and utilization strategies. The aim of the study was to compare crowing duration and number crowing syllables four singing chicken breeds in Indonesia (Bekisar, Kokok Balenggek, Pelung and Gaga'). This research used 532 birds Gaga' chicken from Sidrap, Barru and Maros Districts, South-Sulawesi province, Indonesia. They were separated based on crowing speed into Slow-group (234 birds) and Dangdut-group (298 birds). Then, Dangdut-group has separated again, based on total number crowing syllables, into Long-Dangdut-type (51 birds) and Short-Dangdut-type (247 birds). All crowing sounds were recorded and computerizing digitalized using Cool Edit Pro. Software to visualized bioacoustic character as a wave form then data interpreting for analyzing mean and standard deviation. Average crowing durations of Pelung, Kokok Balenggek, Bekisar and Gaga' chicken (Short-Dangdut-type and Slow-group) were 2.0 to 10.0 sec. Dangdut-Long-type was the longest crowing duration (30.5 sec) and the highest number syllables (140.92). Average number syllables of Pelung (3 sec), Kokok Balenggek (3 to 12 sec) and Bekisar (2 sec) chicken were less than Gaga' chicken (Dangdut-Long-type: 140.9 sec, Dangdut-Short-type: 20.9 sec and Slow group: 8.2 sec). Each singing chicken breed in Indonesia have uniqueness and differences crowing character. A crowing character such as crowing duration and number of syllable could be identified as one of basic selection to promote and to maintain conservation of singing chicken as germplasm of Indonesia.
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Nakanishi T., Tokunaga T., Ishida T., Kobayashi I., Katahama Y., Yano A., Erickson L. and Kawahara S.
Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 32 ( 4 ) 592 - 598 2019年4月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
Copyright © 2019 by Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. Objective: Autophagy is a bulk degradation system for intracellular proteins which contributes to skeletal muscle homeostasis, according to previous studies in humans and rodents. However, there is a lack of information on the physiological role of autophagy in the skeletal muscle of meat animals. This study was planned as a pilot study to investigate changes in expression of two major autophagy-related genes, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β (MAP1LC3B) and autophagy related 7 (ATG7) in fattening beef cattle, and to compare them with skeletal muscle growth. Methods: Six castrated Japanese Black cattle (initial body weight: 503±20 kg) were enrolled in this study and fattened for 7 months. Three skeletal muscles, M. longissimus, M. gluteus medius, and M. semimembranosus, were collected by needle biopsy three times during the observation period, and mRNA levels of MAP1LC3B and ATG7 were determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of genes associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system, another proteolytic mechanism, were also analyzed for comparison with autophagy-related genes. In addition, ultrasonic scanning was repeatedly performed to measure M. longissimus area as an index of muscle growth. Results: Our results showed that both MAP1LC3B and ATG7 expression increased over the observation period in all three skeletal muscles. Interestingly, the increase in expression of these two genes in M. longissimus was highly correlated with ultrasonic M. longissimus area and body weight. On the other hand, the expression of genes associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system was unchanged during the same period. Conclusion: These findings suggest that autophagy plays an important role in the growth of skeletal muscle of fattening beef cattle and imply that autophagic activity affects meat productivity.
DOI： 10.5713/ajas.18.0370
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Polymorphisms of RDH16 and VEGFR1 influence M. trapezius steatosis in Japanese Black carcass 査読あり
Ishida T., Noda K., Jomane F., Tokunaga T.
Animal Science Journal 88 ( 8 ) 1037 - 1041 2017年8月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Animal Science Journal
© 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science The exact cause of steatosis, one of defects in Japanese beef carcasses, has not been elucidated to date, because it is very difficult to diagnose cyclopedically with certain reproducibility due to the bias in the outbreak. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of polymorphisms in retinol dehydrogenase 16 (RDH16), myoferlin (MYOF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1, VEGFR2) on carcass-graded Musculus trapezius steatosis. For logistic regression analysis, 646 carcasses shipped from 29 farms in Miyazaki, Japan, were used. The GG genotype in RDH16 showed significant odds ratios against AA and AG. In VEGFR1, CT had a significant odds ratio against CC. After evaluating for interaction, highly significant odds ratios were observed in the combinations that included the GG risk genotype in RDH16. It is noteworthy that there was no steatosis in the combination GG (RDH16) and CC (VEGFR1). It may be concluded that there is a possibility that steatosis can be suppressed by the CC genotype in VEGFR1. The current study revealed the influence of genetic polymorphisms on M. trapezius steatosis that had not been reported until now, and may help elucidate the cause of steatosis.
DOI： 10.1111/asj.12746
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Black cattle body shape and temperature measurement using thermography and KINECT sensor 査読あり
Kawasue K., Win K., Yoshida K., Tokunaga T.
Artificial Life and Robotics 22 ( 4 ) 464 - 470 2017年6月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Artificial Life and Robotics
© 2017, ISAROB. Black cattle body shape and temperature measurement system is introduced. It is important to evaluate the quality of Japanese black cattle periodically during their growth process. Not only the weight and size of cattle, but also the posture, shape, and temperature need to be tracked as primary evaluation criteria. In the present study, KINECT sensor and thermal camera obtains the body shape and its temperature. The whole system is calibrated to operate in a common coordinate system. Point cloud data are obtained from different angles and reconstructed in a computer. The thermal data are captured too. Both point cloud data and thermal information are combined by considering the orientation of the cow. The collected information is used to evaluate and estimate cattle conditions.
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Jomane,F., Ishida,T., Tokunaga,T., Morita,T.
Animal Science Journal 88 ( 3 ) 413 - 420 2017年3月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Animal Science Journal
© 2016 Japanese Society of Animal SciencePolymorphisms in genes involved in lipid metabolism have been reported to be associated with fatty acid composition of adipose tissue. However, the relationship of these polymorphisms with premortem ultrasonic traits is unknown. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the association between polymorphisms in fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, and nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, number 3 genes with ultrasonic and carcass traits in Japanese Black steers (n = 300) under progeny testing at the Livestock Improvement Association of Miyazaki. To have a comprehensive analysis of the association between the aforementioned genetic polymorphisms and ultrasonic traits, longitudinal measurements of ultrasonic traits were taken. Furthermore, the association of these genetic polymorphisms and carcass traits was evaluated. The polymorphisms in the SCD gene and SREBP1 were associated (P < 0.05) with some ultrasonic traits at multiple stages. To add to that, the polymorphisms were associated (P < 0.05) with some carcass traits. These findings suggest that the polymorphisms in SCD and SREBP1 are functional mutations or could be related to mutations that can aid in selection to improve some ultrasonic and carcass traits.
DOI： 10.1111/asj.12650
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超音波診断装置を用いたバークシャー種育成豚の産肉形質改良に関する基礎的研究 査読あり
野間本静佳,Jomane Fortune Ntengwa,石田孝史,原田 宏,徳永忠昭
日本動物超音波技術研究会報 ( 4 ) 13 - 18 2016年9月
記述言語：日本語 掲載種別：研究論文（研究会，シンポジウム資料等）
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繁殖雌牛の父方系統および近交係数が産肉形質に与える影響 査読あり
尼子真愉,Jomane Fortune Ntengwa,石田孝史,原田 宏,徳永忠昭
日本動物超音波技術研究会報 ( 4 ) 3 - 12 2016年9月
記述言語：日本語 掲載種別：研究論文（研究会，シンポジウム資料等）
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Growth pattern of young progeny test steers and relationship between the carcass measurements in Japanese Black (Wagyu) 査読あり
Kodama,Y., Jomane,F., Okuhata,K., Totsu,T., Ishida,T., TokunagaT.
The 17th AAAP Animal Science Congress 928 - 931 2016年8月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（国際会議プロシーディングス）
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Sasaki, Y., Furusho, K., Ushijima, R., Tokunaga, T., Uemura, R., Sueyoshi, M.
Japan Agricultural Research Quarterly 50 ( 4 ) 361 - 368 2016年1月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌） 出版者・発行元：Japan Agricultural Research Quarterly
The aim of this study was to quantify the body surface temperature of suckling piglets, and determine the association between body surface temperature, body weight and growth rate during the suckling period. The study population consisted of 72 piglets from six sows that were randomly selected at day 4 after farrowing. Infrared thermography and weighing were performed every other day from day 4 to 24 of lactation. Thermal images of each piglet were taken at the eye, base of ear, back, and anus using a handheld infrared camera. Body surface temperature was associated with piglet age and growth rate (P < 0.05), but not with body weight. At day 14, the body surface temperature was highest in all regions (P < 0.05), while at day 24 the piglets averaged lower body surface temperatures than at days 4-18 (P < 0.05). The interaction between piglet age and growth rate significantly affected body surface temperature (P < 0.05). The body surface temperature only varied with growth rate in piglets 12 and 14 days old after birth (P < 0.05). In conclusion, infrared thermography might be useful for the detection of body surface temperature that can be used as an indication of growth performance in piglets with health problems.
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Genetic Polymorphisms and Their Association with Growth and Carcass Traits in Japanese Black Steers under Progeny Testing 査読あり
Fortune Ntengwa JOMANE, Takafumi ISHIDA, Kensuke MORIMOTO, Natuki FUJISHITA, Tadaaki TOKUNAGA, Hiroshi HARADA and Tetsuo MORITA
日本暖地畜産学会報 58 ( 2 ) 217 - 224 2015年6月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）
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Estimation of Carcass Yield Percentage Using Ultrasound and Body Measurements in Japanese Black Cattle 査読あり
T. Tokunaga, F. N. Jomane, T. Ishida and H. Harada
The 16th AAAP Animal Science Congress 2 2275 - 2278 2014年11月
記述言語：英語 掲載種別：研究論文（国際会議プロシーディングス）