Animal Nutrition
Animal Nutrition
Staff
 | Prof. Dr. NISHINO Naoki E-mail： j1oufeed＠（@okayama-u.ac.jp） Specialties： Animal Nutrition, Applied Microbiology Microbial ecology associated with feed preservation and animal health |
 | Assoc. Prof. Dr. TSURUTA Takeshi E-mail： tsurutafe＠（@okayama-u.ac.jp） Specialties： Food Immunology, Functional Food Science 1) Research on the underlying mechanism of disease preventive effects exerted by food bacteria and dietary fiber 2) Influence of nutritional component and feed microbes on functional component of livestock product |
Research Topics
We are examining the nutritional and physiological functions of foods and food components in relation to growth and health, disease prevention, and the safety of animal products. Functions are clarified through the effects on digestion and absorption, metabolism and immunity, and microbiota in the large intestine. Chemical, biochemical, and molecular biological methods are integrated in the experiments. Laboratory animals like rats and mice are employed for the food science research, and domestic and wild animals are examined for sustainable food production research, respectively.
Gut microbiota and food functions
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Probiotics and prebiotics help facilitate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, which inhibits the activity of undesirable microorganisms and promotes the health of host animals. We have examined using model animals if lactic acid bacteria and indigestible carbohydrates can mediate immune functions and alleviate allergic symptoms. Use of probiotics instead of antibiotics has also been a hot topic regarding gut microbiota and the health of livestock animals. |  |
Bio-resource utilization and sustainable animal production
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Use of wet by-products as animal feed has been encouraged to promote sustainable livestock production. Selected bacteria have been inoculated to support good preservation and acceptable shelf life of the wet by-products. Because of increasing concerns about food safety, novel bacteria to help prevent food-borne illness and unhygienic food production are expected. We are performing both practical surveys and laboratory works to fulfill the demands. |  |
Publication List
- Takahashi, T. and E. Sakaguchi (2006) Transport of bacteria across and along the large intestinal lumen of guinea pigs. J. Comp. Physiol . B, 176, 173-178.
- Islam, Md. S., A, Nishiyama and E. Sakaguchi (2005) Rice gruel and rice starch reduce sorbitol-induced diarrhea in cecectomized rats. Digestion , 72, 13-21.
- Islam, Md. S., E. Sakaguchi, N. Kashima and S. Hoshi (2004) Effect of sugar alcohols on gut function and body composition in normal and cecectomized rats. Exp. Anim ., 53, 361-371.
- Nishino, N. and E. Touno (2005) Ensiling characteristics and aerobic stability of direct-cut and wilted grass silages inoculated with Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus buchneri. J. Sci. Food Agric ., 85, 1882-1888.
- Nishino, N., H. Wada, M. Yoshida and H. Shiota (2004) Microbial counts, fermentation products and aerobic stability of whole crop corn and a total mixed ration ensilied with and without Lactobacillus casei or Lactobaillus buchneri. J. Dairy Sci ., 87, 2563-2570.
- Nishino, N., M. Yoshida, H. Shiota and E. Sakaguchi (2003) Accumulation of 1,2-propanediol and enhancement of aerobic stability in whole crop maize silage inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri. J. Appl. Microbiol ., 94, 800-807.