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SPEAKERS
Dr. Ehab ABOELSAADAT
As a driven veterinary doctor, my vision is to provide sustainable sources of animal protein that are healthy, affordable, and free from antibiotics or chemical / drug residues. To achieve this, I focus on utilizing technology, science, digital solutions, sustainable feed additives, nutritional concepts, and vaccination programs to ensure the health of our animals and to deliver healthy food to people. Currently, I am a technical manager EMEA at BASF Animal Nutrition, responsible for technical support, business development for poultry and aquaculture portfolios. With over 19 years of experience in animal nutrition and health, I have technically supported veterinary health and nutritional solutions, managed key accounts in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. My expertise includes managing and technical support for feed additives such as Vitamins, amino acids, premixes, and specialty feed additives such as enzymes, Glycerides, organic acids, toxin binders, organic minerals, and immune stimulants. I hold a Ph.D. in Aquaculture Diseases and Nutritional Disorders and have field experience in fish health and production management of cultured species such as trout, sea bass, sea bream, shrimp, and Nile tilapia. I develop fish health management programs and veterinary health plans that include disease monitoring, prevention, treatments, and biosecurity measures. I am also a reviewer for several international scientific journals with high impact, such as Fish and Shellfish Immunology and Journal of Fish Disease.
Metin AKMAN
Born in Ankara in 1966, Metin Akman graduated from ODTU Faculty of Economics and AdministrativeSciences, Department of Business Administration in 1989 and received a master’s degree from BilkentUniversity, Faculty of Law, Department of International Economics in 2013.Akman started his professional career in Unilever in 1989 and later continued his career as anentrepreneur. He accomplished successful projects in the fields of chemistry, agriculture, food, animalhusbandry and renewable energy; made partnerships with international companies and advised onacquisitions and mergers. Until 2019, he performed as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Nutreco -Trouw Nutrition Turkey. Currently, he functions as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Anako EggProducts, Atıken AS. And Yuniko AÅž which is a company partnered with the Netherlands-basedSchaffelaarbos.Strongly believing the importance of social development besides business life, Metin Akman, activelycontributes to the activities of non-governmental organizations and sectoral associations that representunity, volunteerism and solidarity.In order to contribute the transformation of scientific potential of universities into economic value, he hasprovided Business Plan Development courses at Bilkent University for 3 years, at the BusinessAdministration Department of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, within the scope ofuniversity - industry collaboration.Besides his membership in TUSIAD Turkish Industrialists and Business People Association, Ankara Chamberof Commerce and Industry, Konya Chamber of Industry, Turkey Feed Additives Manufacturers Association,Hacettepe Nazmi HoÅŸal Education Foundation, Egg Producers Association and International EggCommission, Akman has been elected to TUSIAD Board of Directors in 2014, and he carried out his dutyuntil 2019. Anako Egg Products Company is a corporate member of the United Nations Global Compact.Since 2019, he has been serving as the Chairman of the Board of YÜSAD Egg Producer ProductsIndustrialists Association, of which he is one of the founding members. In 2024, he has been elected asTurkish Food and Beverage Industry Associations Federation’s board member.He has also been active in international organizations and since 2014 he has been the Chairman of theAgriculture and Food Commission of the Business at OECD (BIAC-Economy and Industry AdvisoryCommittee). He moderated the panel on driving agribusiness growth and global competitiveness at B20Summit in Antalya in 2015. He is married and father of two children.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet ALÇÄ°ÇEK
Prof. Dr. Ahmet ALÇÄ°ÇEK graduated from Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science in 1986 and completed his Master's Degree in 1988 in the Department of Feeds and Animal Nutrition. He completed his PhD in Animal Nutrition and Physiology at Justus-Liebig University, Germany in 1994 and became the title of Associate Professor in 1996 and Professor in 2003. Prof. Dr. Ahmet ALÇÄ°ÇEK, who has scientific studies on dairy and beef cattle nutrition, poultry nutrition, compound feed technology and silage quality, is also a member of many international scientific organisations. Prof. Dr. Ahmet ALÇÄ°ÇEK, who was working as a lecturer at Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Feeds and Animal Nutrition, retired in 2023 on his own request and continues his professional life by working as R&D coordinator in the feed sector.
Paul ALDERLIEFSTE
With over 30 years of experience at CPM Industrial Solutions, Paul Alderliefste has observed firsthand the critical role of innovations in the commercial success of animal feed mill customers. Notably, he has recognized the significant impact of the heat treatment process for Salmonella control and pelleting roll slip management in collaboration with the leading feed companies in Western Europe. He is a member of the animal feed segment group within CPM Industrial Solutions. This group is in contact with all stakeholders, ensuring that the latest industry requirements are consistently met.
Talat AYDIN
Veterinarian Talat Aydın was born in 1978 in the Milas district of MuÄŸla and completed his primary and secondary education in Milas, and his high school education in Söke. He graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and completed his master’s in business administration at Dokuz Eylül University's Faculty of Administrative Sciences in 2020. Talat Aydın began his career in 2001 with a private veterinary clinic service and in 2003, developed Turkey's first local clinic management and herd management software under the brand CETASOFT. In 2004, he founded the first industrial dairy cattle breeding enterprise in the region under the brand AYTAÅž. In 2005, he started providing milk supply and feeding services to the dairy industry in the MuÄŸla region. In 2023, he established a dairy product production facility under the brand LAKSAN and moved to integrated production. At the same time, by establishing RASYOLÄ°FE Consultancy Services company, he started to continue its feeding services, consultancy and training services in the field of large livestock farming institutionally under the roof of RASYOLÄ°FE ACADEMY. With the companies he established in the cattle breeding sector, Veterinarian Talat Aydın has made significant contributions to the livestock industry both regionally and nationally and continues his activities in these areas. He is married and has two children.
Prof.Dr.Hasan BATMAZ
He was born in 1962 in Gemlik-Bursa. In 1984, he graduated from Bursa Uludag University (BUU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and in 1988, he completed his doctorate at Istanbul University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Diseases. He was appointed as Assistant Professor in 1988, Associate Professor in 1992 and Professor in 1998 at BUU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Diseases. He was the Head of the Department between 1990-1998, Associate Dean between 1998-2000 and Dean between 2000-2008. He still continues to work as a faculty member in the same department. He was a member of the Advisory Board of TUBITAK-TOVAG in 2008-2010 and Executive Board in 2010-2014. His books include Internal Diseases of Cattle, Internal Diseases of Sheep and Goats and Herd Health and Management in Cattle, which he also edited. He continues his field consultancy in the field of ruminant health. Until today, he has been the President of 8 Herd Health and Management and 5 Sheep and Goat Health and Management Congresses. On 6 September 2026, he is the founding president of the Association of Farm Animal Medicine, which will organise the 33rd World Buiatry Congress, which will be held for the first time in Istanbul, Turkey, and he is still carrying out this duty.
Prof.Dr.Mehmet CENGÄ°Z
Mehmet Cengiz graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. In the same year, he commenced his doctoral studies at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, and completed his Ph.D. in 2010 with a thesis entitled "Investigation of the Protective Effectiveness of Teat Canal Sealants and Vitamin E Against Dry Period New Intramammary Infections in Cows." In 2011, he was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2016. In 2022, he left his position at Atatürk University and joined MuÄŸla Sıtkı Koçman University Milas Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. In 2023, Mehmet Cengiz was appointed as a Professor. He has published 35 articles in international journals and 25 articles in national journals. His research focuses on herd fertility and metabolism-related reproductive health, and he provides consultancy services to the public sector. Holding 2 patents in this field, Cengiz serves as a Scientific Consultant to RASYOLÄ°FE Animal Nutrition and Health Inc. in a project aimed at enhancing reproductive efficiency for sustainability and longevity in dairy cattle enterprises and transferring herd management to traceable digital platforms.
Zanetta CHODOROWSKA
Technical Specialist – Dairy Production and Mycotoxin Management, EMEA
With over 25 years of experience in large-scale dairy production in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, focused on improving herd performance and feed quality.
Extensive background in mycotoxin risk management, ruminant nutrition, and farm-level diagnostics.
Throughout his career, he has supported numerous integrated dairy and feed projects, helping producers implement effective nutritional and feed safety strategies. Highlight practical approaches to controlling mycotoxin risks and sustaining dairy herd productivity under diverse field conditions.
Conference Participation & Professional Goals
At this conference, the aim is to share field-based insights on practical mycotoxin risk mitigation strategies and nutritional approaches supporting resilient dairy production under evolving feed quality challenges
Celal DAYIOÄžLU
After graduating from Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Zootechnics in 2005, he started his professional career the same year at Denen Et Enterprise, which operates in the fields of meat, milk, and fattening livestock, working full-time. In 2007, he joined Taze Süt Farm, established through an international partnership. At this farm, he gradually took on responsibilities in key operational areas such as production, milking, feeding systems, and animal health.During this period, he also gained practical knowledge and experience by participating in various international trainings abroad on Total Mixed Ration (TMR) preparation techniques, feed mill management, and organization.In 2021, he left Taze Süt Farm with the title of Farm Manager and established the Daw Nutrition brand in the same year. Since then, he has been providing qualified and high-quality consultancy services both in Turkey and abroad in areas such as animal nutrition, ration planning, farm establishment, improvement of production processes, and sustainability for dairy and fattening livestock.Celal DayıoÄŸlu continues his work within Daw Nutrition together with a strong, multidisciplinary team of experts specialized in their fields; developing technical and rapid solutions tailored to the specialized needs of enterprises. In many areas such
as the preparation of feed contents and formulations, development of feeding strategies compatible with the digestive system, and planning of practices that increase production efficiency, he achieves high satisfaction rates thanks to expertise and effective time management. Additionally, Daw Nutrition, as the official Turkish representative of the Italy-based company CMP Impianti, offers ventilation, cooling-humidity control, and climate control solutions to increase efficiency, protect and improve animal health in large-scale livestock enterprises—addressing challenges caused by the increasing effects of climate change.With a proactive business structure, Daw Nutrition continuously develops its vision by providing consultancy services primarily to countries in the region such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The company closely follows current sector developments and international quality standards, steadily expanding its goals.Shaped by nearly 20 years of field-based professional experience and knowledge, this consultancy structure aims to offer comprehensive, innovative, and sustainable technical solutions to enterprises operating in the livestock sector.
Prof.Dr.Serdal DÄ°KMEN
Prof. Dr. Serdal Dikmen is a faculty member at UludaÄŸ University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Science. He has held various administrative positions such as department head and vocational school director. He completed his doctorate in the same department in 2004, became Assistant Professor in 2009, Associate Professor in 2010 and Professor in 2015. He specializes in heat stress, dairy cattle, animal breeding and welfare in animal husbandry. His work has attracted international attention with over 3000 citations. Prof. Dr. Serdal Dikmen, who has strong ties to the University of Florida, conducted research in the field of heat stress with a TÜBÄ°TAK scholarship in 2007 and 2019, and has held the title of “Sustaining Courtesy Faculty” at the same university since 2014. He received training on fertility management in dairy cattle under heat stress at the Volcani Center in Israel, and presented papers at ADSA-ASAS meetings and the International Poultry Scientific Forum in the USA. Taking his place in the “World Top 2% Scientists List”, he became the first academician of his faculty in this ranking and the only one as of 2025. His research on heat stress offers innovative solutions to reduce yield losses in dairy cattle. He has taken part in national and international projects on breeding value determination, animal behavior and welfare. He has conducted joint studies with UludaÄŸ University Scientific Research Projects and the Ministry of Agriculture, worked as a researcher in TÜBÄ°TAK and European Union supported projects, and contributed to applied projects such as dairy cattle barns and cooling systems in broiler houses. Prof. Dr. Serdal Dikmen, with his deep knowledge on the effects of heat stress on animal health and productivity, will be an invited speaker at this congress and will share his innovative approaches to the global agriculture and livestock sector.
Dr.Barışhan DOĞAN
Barışhan DOÄžAN graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ankara University in 2015. In 2016, he began his Ph.D studies in the Department of Microbiology at the same faculty. During his doctoral education, he actively participated in several significant projects. Within the scope of the “100/2000 YÖK Doctoral Program” launched by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to meet the demand for Ph.D level human resources in Turkey’s priority fields, he carried out research in the field of “Vaccine Studies” and completed his doctoral thesis in 2021. Following his academic career, Dr. Barışhan DOÄžAN transitioned to the private sector and currently serves as the Technical Manager at NutriMOORE – Phytobiotics TR.
Burak ERDEM
Burak Erdem is a highly experienced professional in the animal feed sector with over 18 years of expertise. He holds a B.Sc. in Animal Science and an M.Sc. degree in Feed Manufacturing Technology from Norway, providing him with a strong foundation in both animal nutrition and feed production processes. Throughout his career, Mr. Erdem has developed a comprehensive understanding of animal nutrition, feed raw materials, feed production techniques, and biosecurity protocols in feed mills. Notably, his expertise encompasses the impact of feed processing on the physical and chemical properties of feed, as well as strategies to minimize contamination risks during production. Since 2020, Mr. Erdem has leveraged his expertise at Kemin, focusing on feed safety, feed production, and millSMART solutions. He plays a pivotal role in supporting customers across Europe and the Middle East, ensuring optimal feed quality and biosecurity practices.
Dr. Kees GEERSE
Kees Geerse holds a Master’s degree in animal science and nutrition from the Wageningen University. He is active for more than 40 years in the international feed business helding senior positions in leading global feed companies (DSM, Provimi-Cargill, Nutreco-Trouw Nutrition). In the late eighties and early nineties he has been deeply involved in the development and application of feed enzymes with a major focus on microbial phytase, the enzyme creating a revolution in monogastric nutrition. The main focus of his career has been commercial feed formulation in monogastrics and scientific evaluation of feed ingredients and feed additives, including gut health aspects. During this time he is independent nutritional consultant and works with a wide range of companies covering all chains in the global feed industry. His major mission is to contribute to a “rational based nutrition” combatting myths and beliefs and turn those into rational decisions, applying science-based data in a commercial professional environment. Final goal is to contribute to a better quality and profitability of our livestock industries.
Prof.Dr.Hıdır GENÇOÄžLU
Dr. Gencoglu is a full Professor at the University of Bursa UludaÄŸ, Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Türkiye. He received his DVM degree in 2000 from Bursa UludaÄŸ University. In 2004, he worked as a researcher to conduct research on his doctoral thesis at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. He then completed his PhD degree in Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, University of Bursa UludaÄŸ in 2006. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2008-2010. His research focused on practical feeding recommendations of lactating dairy cows, in research being nutritional effects on reproduction, fiber and starch utilization, transition cow feeding and management, and nutritional effects on metabolic disorders. Dr. Gencoglu is currently vice president of Farm Animal Veterinary Medicine Association (FAVMA). The 33th World Buiatrics Congress will be organized by FAVMA in September 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Dr.George GONG
Dr. George Gong holds a Ph.D. in Basic Veterinary from Huazhong Agricultural University. With 10 years of service at Angel Yeast Co., Ltd., currently serves as Assistant Director of the Animal Nutrition Research Institute. His work primarilyfocuses on fundamental research and applied technology promotion of feed yeast andyeast-derived products. He has filed 12 invention patent applications and published 3 SCI papers in journals including International Journal of Biological Macromolecules and Aquaculture, as well as 10 papers in Chinese core academic periodicals.
Erhan GÖKDEMÄ°R
He graduated from Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science in 1985 and Anadolu University, Faculty of Economics in 2000. Between 1988-1995, he worked in the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises (TÄ°GEM), Ceylanpınar and Altınova agricultural enterprises. Between 1996 and 2007, he worked as the farm and feed factory operation manager at Aytaç Gıda A.Åž. , DoÄŸancı ÇiftliÄŸi and Matlı A.Åž. Since 2008, he has been working as a consultant on the design, project management, animal nutrition and business management of ruminant livestock enterprises. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of UludaÄŸ Animal Science Association.
Prof.Dr.ArmaÄŸan HAYIRLI
After graduating from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ankara in 1992, he worked as field technical advisor for a private poultry integration company (Nar Piliç-ÖZHEN) for 2 years. Upon earning scholarship for higher education from Ministry of Education in 1995, he received Intensive English Course at Drake University, IA and earned master degree at Iowa State University of Science and Technology (1997: Protein Nutrition in the Peripartum Period) and PhD degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2001: Strategies to Alleviate Negative Energy Balance in Dairy Cows). He developed mathematical model describing feed intake for Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle by National Academy of Sciences, the USA. He assigned as assistant professor in 2003, associate professor in 2006, and professor in 2011 to Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Disorders, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. He did postdoctoral studies on Oilseeds and their Effects on Hepatic Ketogenesis at University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada in 2005-2007 and Hematological Characteristics of Peripartum Dairy Cows at Swedish University of Agriculture in 2010. Dr. Hayirli is author/coauthor of 105 scientific articles published in International Journals and 33 articles published in National Journals and presented more than 200 abstracts/speaks in National-International Symposiums. Upon the retÅŸrement in 2024, he serves as advisor in RasyoLife R&D. He focuses on programming and developing products for animal nutrition and metabolism, heard management, lactation-fertility. He is good at English and Spanish.
Dr.Liz HOMER
Dr. Liz Homer has a BSc in Animal Science from the University of Nottingham and a PhD in Dairy Cow Physiology and Fertility. She worked as a postdoctoral scientist on projects related to oestrous detection, dairy cow nutrition, and methane reduction. In 2015, she joined Trouw Nutrition GB as Ruminant Technical Development Manager, linking R&D with practical solutions for farms. She has been key in developing the NutriOpt Dairy Model and solutions. Currently, she leads the European team in sustainability efforts, focusing on reducing the environmental footprint at farm level and developing partnerships for sustainable practices.
M.Ülkü KARAKUÅž
He was born in Turhal in 1960. In 1984, he graduated from Atatürk University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science. Subsequently, he worked as a factory manager in a feed plant in Turhal. After working at Roche company for 10 years from 1986, he founded his own company.Mr. KarakuÅŸ, currently has a feed factory, poultry facilities and cattle farms in Ankara, he also deals with feed materials trade.He served as a Board Member of Turkish Agricultural Engineers Association (TZYMB) in 1997-1998. He has been the President of Turkish Feed Manufacturers Association since 1998.In addition, he served as the Treasurer Board Member in the Board of Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) between 2016-2022 and has been the Chairman of Agriculture Assembly of Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) since 2020.In his over 40 years of professional life, he took place in many national and international meetings, congresses and fairs as head of organization committee, speaker and moderator.
Dr.Murat KARAKUÅž
Dr. Murat KarakuÅŸ received his B.Sc. in Mathematics from Suleyman Demirel University (2009), his M.Sc. in Computer Science and Information Systems from the University of Michigan-Flint (2013), and his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University (2018). He is currently an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Software Engineering at Ankara University. Dr. Karakus has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and serves as a reviewer for leading IEEE, ACM, and Elsevier venues. He has served on organizing committees of major IEEE conferences (MeditCom, BalkanCom, BCCA, BlackSeaCom). He has delivered tutorials at MeditCom 2023, BCCA 2023, and CCNC 2025, and has given invited talks at events such as the IEEE Blockchain Summit 2022, Blockchain Summit Türkiye 2024, SIBIS 2024, ISMSIT 2025, and ISCTürkiye 2025. His research interests include next-generation networking, Blockchain, NLP, network scalability, QoS, and routing. He has led several TÜBÄ°TAK-funded and industry-supported research projects.
Dr.Tamas KERTESZ
Dr. Tamas Kertesz lives in GyÅ‘r, Hungary. He graduated in Agricultural and Animal Science at the Pannon University of Mosonmagyaróvár. He got Ph.D in Animal Science in 2003 at the University of West Hungary, Mosonmagyaróvár. After graduation he joined Bábolna feed and premix company as sales and technical manager in 1997. He was Ruminant Product manager at Agrofeed premix company from 2003. He was (Nutritionist) Sales and Marketing director at Adexgo (protected nutrients for functional food project) 2010. He became independent dairy consultant from 2012. He joined Vetagro as an EU ruminant tech support in 2017.
Dr.Arda KOVANLIKAYA
Graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. After completing his university education, he started his PhD studies at UludaÄŸ University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases. KOVANLIKAYA, who worked on various projects during his PhD studies, was transferred to the private sector while carrying out his thesis project. He held various positions such as feed formulation, R&D farm management and consultancy during his private sector experience. During his consultancy career, he provided various trainings to feed factories and global companies' teams. Currently serving as Turkey and Middle East Ruminant Technical Leader in Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health business, KOVANLIKAYA provides technical support to breeders in different countries.
Prof.Dr.Zygmunt Maciej KOWALSKI
Professor in Animal Science. Head of the Department of Animal Nutrition and Fisheries, Faculty of Animal Science, The University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland. Head of Doctoral School of The University of Agriculture in Krakow. Author of 123 original papers in peer-reviewed indexed periodicals. Hirsch Index 16, Citations by WoS 1139. Supervisor of several PhD students, and coordinator of numerous scientific projects conducted on ruminants, mainly dairy cows and calves. The main fields of research activity include: feeding of high-yielding cows, monitoring and prevention of metabolic diseases in dairy cows, especially ketosis and acidosis, protein, amino acids, and fats in dairy cow diets, protein, and energy evaluation systems for ruminants, systems of dairy calf rearing, additives to promote the growth and development of dairy calves. Co-author of a national monitoring system for subclinical ketosis of dairy cows based on the determination of ketone bodies in milk using the FTIR technique. Author of many advisory publications for milk producers, cow and calf nutrition advisers and veterinarians. A very well-known in Poland speaker of numerous courses, lectures, and seminars for students, farmers, extension workers, feed distributors, and veterinarians. Expert in practical dairy cow and dairy calf feeding. Organizer of the annual conference for bovine practitioners 'Dairy Cow in Questions'
Doç.Dr.Eren KUTER
Born in 1988 in Balıkesir, Turkey. He graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Between 2013 and 2018, he worked as a research assistant at Aydın Adnan Menderes University in the Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases. He received his PhD in 2018 and became an Associate Professor in 2023. Currently, he is a faculty member and Vice Dean at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He also provides scientific consultancy in pet food production.
Doç.Dr. Zafer MecitoÄŸlu
Associate Professor Dr. Zafer MecitoÄŸlu graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Bursa UludaÄŸ University in 2004. In 2010, he completed his thesis investigating glucose metabolism in cows with displaced abomasums and earned his doctorate degree. Having earned the title of associate professor in 2018, MecitoÄŸlu's primary interests are infectious and metabolic diseases of ruminants. He is also a founding member and current general secretary of the Farm Animal Medicine Association.
Dr.Agnès NARCY
My activities focus on the use of minerals and their determinants in pigs and poultry as well as on their capacity to adapt at the digestive level. This work integrates both an approach to understand the mechanisms related to the use of nutrients and more finalized activities aiming at proposing more efficient feeding strategies allowing farming systems to be part of a sustainability approach. By combining experimental and modeling approaches, recommendations for mineral intake in both species can be reviewed. In addition, nutritional (mineral restriction), physiological (laying) or genetic (digestive efficiency) models are used to improve the knowledge regarding the potential of animals to adapt.
Dr.Valentin NENOV
Dr. Valentin Nenov works at Huvepharma as a global ruminant product manager. He is responsible for the global strategy of ruminant feed additives, development of innovative solutions, building technical communication, and providing technical support. He manages product development and launches in close collaboration with R&D, marketing, and commercial teams. Dr. Valentin NENOV obtained master’s degree in veterinary medicine from Trakia University, Bulgaria and MBA from New Bulgarian University, Sofia. He started his career as a practicing veterinarian after which he joined the animal health business (MSD, and then Ceva) and worked as a ruminant technical and marketing manager in regional and global positions. For 10 years Dr. Nenov worked at a leading probiotic company as a global ruminant manager and led the global ruminant team. Dr. Nenov is coauthor of several scientific publications in ruminant nutrition.
Dr.Insaf RIAHI
Dr. Insaf Riahi (BIÅŒNTE Nutrition Global Technical Director)
Dr. Insaf Riahi is an Agronomic Engineer specialized in Animal Production, with a Master’s in Animal Nutrition and a PhD focused on strategies for mycotoxin mitigation in animal production, developed in collaboration with IRTA, Phileo by Lesaffre, and the University of Lleida. After her academic career, she worked as Product Manager for anti-mycotoxin solutions at Andrés Pintaluba S.A. and is now the Global Technical Director at BIÅŒNTE Nutrition, leading research, innovation, and technical support in mycotoxin analysis and mitigation.
Prof.Dr.UÄŸur SERBESTER
Prof. Dr. Ugur SERBESTER is a Professor of Animal Science in the Feeds & Animal Nutrition Unit at the Faculty of Agriculture, Çukurova University. His research focuses on ruminant nutrition, with particular interest in mathematical modeling of nutritional systems, the effects of heat stress on dairy cows, and the role of fatty acids in ruminant diets. Dr. Serbester’s work aims to enhance productivity through innovative and sustainable nutritional strategies under changing environmental conditions.
Dr. Dennis SMULDERS
Dr. Dennis Smulders is a Bioscience Engineer specializing in Animal Production. He earned both his Master’s degree (Animal Production) and his PhD in Bioscience Engineering from K.U. Leuven in Belgium. His academic research primarily focused on the epidemiology of pig welfare and the relationship between social interactions and meat quality.Following his time as a researcher at the Laboratory for Quality Care in Animal Production, Dr. Smulders transitioned to the industry, holding global sales and product management roles at Nukamel and Huvepharma. During this period, he specialized in dairy-based feed for young animals and led the development of the Lianol and probiotic product ranges for swine, poultry, and calves.Between 2014 and 2025, he served as a Marketing Manager and Nutritionist for Sopraco and Mijten. in these roles, he managed feed optimization, supported top management, and represented the industry in major organizations such as BVK, FEFAC, and FAVV. Currently, he is the Co-Founder of M-Food Natural Ingredients, where he focuses on the production of sustainable insect-based ingredients for the food and feed sectors.
Agricultural Engineer Markus SPRUNGK
I began my professional journey with an apprenticeship on a dairy farm and later earned a Diplom-Ingenieur Agrar (FH) degree in Agricultural Engineering from a University of Applied Sciences. Before joining GEA Farm Technologies in 1999, I gained hands-on experience by working on two different farms. At GEA, I started in southern Germany as a herd manager for Automatic Milking Systems. I later moved to the company’s headquarters, where I worked in the sales department as a product specialist for Herd Management, Sensors, and Automatic Milking Systems.
Dr. Sanna STEENFELDT
Dr. Sanna Steenfeldt is a senior scientist at the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark. She has been working as a project manager and participant in many research projects dealing with different topics related to poultry nutrition, physiology and production in both conventional and organic systems. The research has been focused on feeding strategies for broilers related to the nutritive value of feed ingredients for broilers and effects of fibres on intestinal viscosity, passage rate, and nutrient digestibility. Phosphorus and calcium levels in broiler and layer diets and effects on performance, retention, and leg health, and the strategic allocation of calcium in organic layers. Feeding strategies related to 100% organic feeding for layers, nutritive values of alternative feed ingredients as silages, and alternative protein sources as mussels, starfish, algae, and grass protein concentrates. Feeding strategies and welfare in different dual-purpose genotypes in organic production using male chickens for meat production and layers for both egg- and meat production. These research areas contribute to advancements in poultry nutrition, welfare, and sustainable production practices, benefiting both conventional and organic poultry productions.Involved in Danish Governmental counselling related to production and welfare issues in organic laying hens in multi-tier systems with varying bird density, quality of outdoor area and other topics in organic production.Teaching at several BSc and MSc courses. Experience as a supervisor for BSc, MSc, and PhD students. Participate as a member of scientific/examination committees in relation to PhD defences at Universities in the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark.
DoçDr.Yusuf SÜRMELÄ°
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sürmeli has graduated from Dept of Molecular Biology and Genetics of Ä°stanbul University Faculty Science in 2008. He started working for TekirdaÄŸ Namık Kemal University Faculty of Agriculture Dept of Agricultural Biotechnology as research assistant in 2009. He completed his MSc. Degree in the Dept. of Biotechnology &Bioengineering of Ä°zmir Higher Technology Institute in 2013 and got his PhD degree in the Dept of Molecular Biology-Genetic and Biotechnology of Ä°stanbul Technical University in 2020. Later in 2023 he was appointed Assoc. Prof. Dr. in the Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology of TekirdaÄŸ Namık Kemal University. His major areas of research are enzyme biotechnology, and microbial technology.
Prof.Dr. Hasan Ersin ÅžAMLI
Prof. Dr. Hasan Ersin Şamlı has graduated from Dept. of Animal Science of Faculty of Agriculture of Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University in 1996. He completed his MSc degree in the same department. Later in 2002 he accomplished his PhD degree in Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel-Germany. In 2007 he was appointed as an associate professor and in 2013 as full professor in the department of animal science. He did research studies during several periods in the area of feeds and animal nutrition in Germany and Austria. Besides his research and training work, he hold many academic and administrative responsibilities as Vice Dean, Erasmus coordinator, Director of Center of R&D, Chair of Dept. of Animal Sci. He is currently faculty member of Feeds and Animal Nutrition of Department of Animal Science in Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University.
Dr.Ömer Kaan TEKÄ°N
Born in Bigadiç in 1991. After completing his primary and secondary studies in Balıkesir, he graduated from Bursa UludaÄŸ University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. He completed his PhD in 2024 at Balıkesir University Health Sciences Institute, Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases. He started his career as a veterinarian at Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Rural Services Department; he worked there for three years. He started working as an R&D Specialist at Balyem R&D unit in 2019 and was appointed as Chief of Quality Assurance and Formulation in 2024. Dr. Ömer Kaan Tekin who has been actively working in the field throughout his professional life, continues to provide feed factory ration formulation and farm technical consultancy in addition to leading R&D projects.
Prof.Dr.Ä°smet TÜRKMEN
He graduated from Bursa UludaÄŸ University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. He then worked as a veterinarian and as a field veterinarian in a compound feed manifactory for a while. He started his academic career as a Research Assistant in Bursa UludaÄŸ University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases in 1991, and received the title of Doctor in 1997, Assistant Professor in 1999, Associate Professor in 2000 and Professor in 2007. He worked on Feed Evaluation Systems at Volcani Center/Israel in 1999 with a scholarship provided by the Israeli Government. He has published over 65 scientific articles, 32 of which are in international journals. He has generally focused his scientific studies on feedstuffs, ruminant nutrition and nutritional diseases. He served as a Senate Member at UludaÄŸ University, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Head of the Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, and Head of the Department of Animal Science and Nutrition. He is married with two children.
Dr.Cui XIAOQING
Xiaoqing Cui is a passionate Animal Nutritionist specializing in product development, formulation, and research. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Qingdao Agricultural University (2015) and a Master’s degree in the same field from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (2019). With over three years of experience in the feed industry, Xiaoqing began her professional career at Wellhope Group as a Poultry Technical Formulator (2020–2022). In this role, she managed formula adjustments based on raw material prices and market conditions, while also supporting marketing strategies. Since June 2022, she has been working as a Poultry Technician at Lachance Group. Here, she leads application research for poultry products, conducts market analysis, and facilitates technical exchanges with industry experts to assist farmers in improving farming efficiency.
Dr.Dr.Murat Emre YARDÄ°BÄ°
After graduating from Istanbul University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 1992, he started his professional career as a Technical Manager at Pfizer Animal Health. In 1998, he started working as a Technical and Marketing Manager at Roche Vitamin and Chemicals, and while continuing his duties as Turkey Sales Manager, he accepted the offer of Novus International in 2009 and continued his duties as Novus Turkey and Middle East Manager until 2019. He continues to serve the Animal Health and Nutrition sector as the Chairman of the Board of Probio Health Products Inc., which he founded in 2019. During his professional career, he completed his PhD in Helminthology at Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Trakya University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Department of Poultry Nutrition, Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Istanbul Bilgi University, Computer Aided Design and Animation at Plato Vocational School, Photography and Videography program at Anadolu University, Faculty of Communication, and finally his PhD at Istanbul University-CerrahpaÅŸa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology. Yardibi, who is a Class A Amateur Radio Operator (TA1MEY), is also interested in amateur photography.
Prof.Dr.Hasan Melih YAVUZ
Born in 1961 in Tavşanlı. He completed his primary and secondary education in Balıkesir and graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Bursa Uludağ University in 1984. He completed his PhD in 1989 at Istanbul University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases. Continuing his academic career at the same department at U.U. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. H. Melih Yavuz received the title of Associate Professor in 1992 and Professor in 1997. Throughout his university life, in addition to his teaching duties, he served as the director of vocational school, assistant dean, head of department, and member of various faculty boards. He retired from his position in 2010. Prof. Dr. H. Melih Yavuz, who has national and international publications especially on cattle nutrition and who has served the private sector within the framework of university-industry cooperation for many years, continues to provide consultancy services to many industrial farms and feed industry establishments. His consultancy focuses on scientific consultancy in the feed industry and the nutrition and herd management of cattle.
Prof.Dr.Asım Egemen YILMAZ
Prof. Dr. A. Egemen Yılmaz received his B.Sc. degrees from the Departments of Electrical-Electronics Engineering and Mathematics at Middle East Technical University (METU) in 1997. He subsequently earned his M.Sc. (2000) and Ph.D. (2007) degrees from the Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering at the same university.Between 1996 and 2009, he held various positions at ASELSAN, Vestel, STM, and HAVELSAN. In 2009, he joined Ankara University as a faculty member. Currently, Dr. Yılmaz serves in the Departments of Electrical-Electronics Engineering and Software Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. Additionally, he acts as the Chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence Technologies under the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, and as the Founding Director of Akyurt Vocational School, which operates with the aim of training personnel for the defense industry.Continuing his relationship with the Defense Industry as a subcontractor and consultant, Dr. Yılmaz is involved in numerous projects. In these projects, he contributes specifically in the areas of AI-based optimization and design.Dr. Yılmaz has authored over 200 national and international peer-reviewed conference papers and articles, and these works have received over 1,700 citations.
Prof.Dr.Qendrim ZEBELI
Qendrim Zebeli is a Full Professor of Animal Nutrition and Director of the Centre of Animal Nutrition and Welfare at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in Austria. Prof. Zebeli serves also as the Head of the Christian-Doppler-Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts in Livestock. Qendrim is a veterinary graduate of the Agricultural University of Tirana, holds a M.Sc. in Animal Production from IAMZ/CIHEAM Zaragoza/Spain, and a PhD and an advanced PhD (“Habilitation”) in the field of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences from the University of Hohenheim in Germany. Qendrim has an extensive experience in the successful management of multidisciplinary and international research projects with main research stays abroad in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Canada. Prof. Zebeli has authored more than 230 peer-reviewed papers and supervised 15 PhD students and 10 Postdocs so far. He teaches classes of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics and serves regularly in Editorial boards and scientific committees worldwide. His main research interests are in the interface of nutritional physiology and health of ruminants with particular emphasis of gastrointestinal health in dairy cattle.
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