University – Village Meetings: Took Place in Yenişehir Village

Continuing its mission to bring science and the public together, Uşak University visited Yenişehir Village in Uşak Central District this week as part of its “University – Village Meetings” with an event titled “Science Café.” During the event, academics provided important information to villagers about agriculture and animal husbandry.

The meeting was attended by Uşak University Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kenan Taş, faculty members, and local villagers.

Speaking at the event, Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş said, “The knowledge produced in universities becomes functional only when it reaches the public and helps solve their problems. With this aim, we are working to bring together our academics and the public to transfer academic knowledge. I thank the professors who came here to share their knowledge, our village headman, and all the participants who came to listen.”

At the meeting moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşen Melda Çolak, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sibel Alapala from Uşak University’s Faculty of Agriculture gave a presentation titled “Cattle and Small Ruminant Breeding and Its Challenges”, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Osman Yüksel presented on “The Importance of Quality Roughage in Animal Feeding and the Effects of Stubble Burning on Soil and Agriculture.”

The Importance of Feed Selection in Animal Husbandry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Osman Yüksel, in his presentation, emphasized the importance of providing the right type of feed to ensure high productivity in livestock. He stated that materials not classified as feed should not be used and highlighted the need for protein-rich, high-quality feed with illustrative examples.

Mentioning the increasing number of fires recently in both Uşak and across the country, Dr. Yüksel pointed out that stubble burning deteriorates soil structure and also causes fires. Warning the public against this practice, he said, “Although this method may seem convenient in the short term, it causes great harm to soil and the environment in the long run.”

The Nuances of Cattle and Small Ruminant Care

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sibel Alapala, in her presentation titled “Cattle and Small Ruminant Breeding and Its Challenges,” discussed a wide range of topics including animal selection, feeding and care techniques, farmer training, and appropriate housing for animals.

After the presentations, both Assoc. Prof. Dr. Osman Yüksel and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sibel Alapala answered questions from the audience.

The event concluded with Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş presenting certificates of appreciation to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşen Melda Çolak, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Osman Yüksel, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sibel Alapala, and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kenan Taş presenting a certificate of appreciation to Yenişehir Village Headman Esat Tahir Çoşkunoğlu.