Forages are crucial for livestock production yet underutilized in monogastric animals. Silage feeding can alleviate hunger stress for restrictedly fed pregnant sows. This study aims to identify promising winter forages or combinations for sows’ diets in southern Kyushu. Italian ryegrass (IR), crimson clover (CC), and sugar beet (SB) were cultivated in single-plots and mixed-plots of CC and SB with three subplots to be harvested at the pre-bloom stage, wilted, and ensiled in 30-liter plastic silos. Forage growth performance and chemical properties were determined on fresh samples and three months post-ensiling silages. Annual dry matter yield was the highest from SB, then the mixed yield of CC and SB plots, IR, and CC (1,992.6, 1,353.0, 1,183.0, and 692.8 g/m², respectively). Besides, the mixed yield of CC and SB slightly surpassed CC alone and matched SB alone, indicating a positive complementary effect. Legume CC had higher protein and non-fiber carbohydrates, while grass IR had more neutral detergent fiber than the others. Silage pH ranged from 3.97 to 5.53, with the lowest in SB, followed by IR, mixed CC and SB, and the highest in CC alone. Feeding trials indicated that both pure and mixed CC silages hold the potential for sow nutrition.

Journal of Warm Regional Society of Animal Science, Japan 68 （1）: 1-11, 2025

The number of sika deer (Cervus nippon) inhabiting public pastures in Japan has rapidly increased. Our purpose was to investigate sika deer vocalizations to create voice-based countermeasure technology. We classified the acoustic parameters of alarm calls of sika deer in this study. Alarm calls of seven adult sika deer (three castrated males and four females) were recorded. These vocalizations were visualized using waveform shapes and spectrograms, and the acoustic parameters were quantified using Praat acoustic analysis software. Differences in call duration, fundamental frequency (mean, minimum, and maximum), intensity (mean, minimum, and maximum), and formants (1–5) were compared among groups classified by a hierarchical cluster analysis. Using an independent-samples t-test indicated that call duration, fundamental frequency (minimum and maximum) and formants (2–5) were significantly differed among groups configured regardless of sex. Alarm calls of sika deer are classified into several types according to their acoustic characteristics.

Journal of Warm Regional Society of Animal Science, Japan 68 （1）: 23-29, 2025

This study compared the acoustic parameters of vocalization in the common part of Japanese Black calves after weaning. These vocalizations were classified using waveform shapes and spectrograms. In addition, the acoustic parameters were quantified using Praat acoustic analysis software. Differences in fundamental frequency (mean, minimum, and maximum), intensity (mean, minimum, and maximum), and formants (1–5) were compared among calf vocalizations. All acoustic parameters differed among calf vocalizations, according to a one-way analysis of variance. A principal component analysis revealed three main components with the first component correlating strongly and positively with the fundamental frequency (mean, minimum, and maximum). Therefore, the fundamental frequency had the greatest influence on individual differences in calf vocalization after weaning. In addition, the extraction method used here appears to be effective for investigating individual differences in calf vocalization. However, the percentage of correct answer by discriminant analysis was 71% in this study. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the discrimination accuracy.

Journal of Warm Regional Society of Animal Science, Japan 68 （1）: 31-37, 2025