Published July 10, 2025 by Lucky Amethyst Aquino
Piat, Cagayan — The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU) welcomed esteemed visitors from Japan today in a significant step toward strengthening international research collaboration in animal science and sustainable livestock production.
Dr. Tomomi Ban-Tokuda, Associate Professor at Mie University in Japan, and her advisee, Hiroki Ito, a fourth-year student from the Laboratory of Animal Production at Mie University, paid a courtesy visit to the DA-PCC at CSU in Baung, Piat. This visit marks the official start of a collaborative research initiative between Mie University and DA-PCC at CSU focusing on the fattening of water buffaloes (carabaos) in the Philippines.
The primary goal of the project is to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the low-fat and low-cholesterol properties of carabao meat. Understanding these unique physiological traits is essential for uncovering the nature of hypocholesterolemia in water buffaloes and differentiating them from cattle.
Dr. Ban-Tokuda emphasized the importance of this joint research, stating that the study aims to clarify the functionality of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in buffaloes and to identify the regulatory factors that may be exclusive to this species. Such insights are expected to advance the development of sustainable and scientifically informed fattening practices, ultimately benefiting the carabeef industry in the Philippines.
The DA-PCC at CSU is confident that this collaboration with Mie University will produce valuable data and innovations that can enhance the quality and marketability of carabeef, supporting local farmers and strengthening the livestock sector.
The CSU community extends its warmest welcome to Dr. Ban-Tokuda and Mr. Ito and expresses its enthusiasm for the promising partnership ahead.