Sana’a - Saba:
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Sana’a University, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, held its first scientific conference today to discuss graduation projects of fifth-year students for the academic year 2024–2025, under the theme: “Graduation Projects: The Seed of Scientific Research.”
The conference reviewed 12 research projects by 60 male and female students from the college’s second graduating class. Topics included: the impact of replacing millet with corn on the productive and physiological traits of broiler chickens; partial detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in poultry farms; causes of milk spoilage from local livestock breeders; and knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning zoonotic disease risks among livestock owners.
Other studies covered: clinical and lab evaluation of malnutrition in small ruminants in Sana’a; prevalence of intestinal parasites in sheep and goats; antibiotic residue levels in commercial chicken meat; anatomical study of local chickens; anatomical and pathological assessments of the reproductive system of Arabian camels in Sana’a; fungal contaminants and their toxins in poultry feed; and epidemiological studies on respiratory diseases in broiler chickens.
Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Abdulraouf Al-Shawkani, stressed that the event highlights the faculty’s commitment to scientific research and knowledge exchange, both vital for advancing veterinary medicine and safeguarding human, animal, and environmental health.
He noted the conference reflects ongoing collaboration between universities and research institutions, and comes at a time when the role of veterinarians is increasingly crucial as the first line of defense against zoonotic diseases, ensuring food security, and monitoring animal product safety.
Dr. Al-Shawkani emphasized that these projects represent five years of academic effort and are a first step into scientific research to achieve self-sufficiency. He mentioned existing agreements with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that research projects align with national livestock sector needs.
Vice Deans Dr. Abdulraqib Al-Shami (Academic Affairs) and Dr. Saleh Al-Omaysi (Student Affairs & Community Service) underlined the importance of graduation projects as a reflection of academic achievement and a tool for developing students’ research skills, scientific methodology, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
They urged graduates to take responsibility in providing high-quality animal and human health care, preventing zoonotic diseases, and upholding professional ethics and cultural values.
Dr. Mustafa Shari, speaking on behalf of the University Students Forum, highlighted the conference’s importance, especially given the 12 studies supervised by academic experts. He stressed the need for lab-based veterinary research to address infectious diseases and improve animal health management.
The event also featured a poem and a short theatrical performance addressing the standards for milk and yogurt production and marketing.
