Hengwei Yu | Animal Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Hengwei Yu | Animal Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Sichuan Agricultural University China

Yu Hengwei, hailing from Shaanxi, China, is a distinguished researcher at Sichuan Agricultural University. His expertise lies in animal genetic resources and breeding, contributing significantly to the field with 10 peer-reviewed SCI-indexed publications as the first author.

Professional Profile 

🎓Education

Dr. Yu earned his Ph.D. in Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction from the College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University.

💼Experience

Yu Hengwei’s research tenure at Sichuan Agricultural University focuses on groundbreaking advancements in animal genetics and breeding, emphasizing scholarly contributions and innovation.

🏆Award and Honor

Dr. Yu received the prestigious “Young Scholar Travel Award” at the 22nd National Academic Symposium on Animal Genetics and Breeding for his outstanding academic achievements.

🔬 Research Focus

Yu Hengwei specializes in exploring animal genetic resources and refining breeding strategies, driving advancements in the field with a profound emphasis on scientific innovation.

Publications Top Noted

    1. Erucic acid promotes intramuscular fat deposition through the PPARγ-FABP4/CD36 pathway
      Year: 2025
      Authors: Hengwei Yu, Juntao Guo, Bingzhi Li, Jing Ma, Belete Kuraz Abebe, Chugang Mei, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Gong Cheng, Linsen Zan
      Citation: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140121
    2. Identification of key genes and metabolites involved in meat quality performance in Qinchuan cattle by WGCNA
      Year: 2024
      Authors: Hengwei Yu, Zhimei Yang, Jianfang Wang, Huaxuan Li, Xuefeng Li, Entang Liang, Chugang Mei, Linsen Zan
      Citation: Journal of Integrative Agriculture. DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.07.044
    3. Milk Lipid Regulation in Dairy Goats: A Comprehensive Review
      Year: 2024
      Authors: Bingzhi Li, Yu Li, Wanqiang Tian, Belete Kuraz Abebe, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Hengwei Yu
      Citation: Molecular Biotechnology. DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01283-7
    4. LEP inhibits intramuscular adipogenesis through the AMPK signaling pathway in vitro
      Year: 2024
      Authors: Shengchen Yu, Hengwei Yu, Jianfang Wang, Haibing Liu, Juntao Guo, Sihu Wang, Chugang Mei, Linsen Zan
      Citation: The FASEB Journal. DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400590rr
    5. Genome-wide analysis reveals genomic diversity and signatures of selection in Qinchuan beef cattle
      Year: 2024
      Authors: Hengwei Yu, Ke Zhang, Gong Cheng, Chugang Mei, Hongbao Wang, Linsen Zan
      Citation: BMC Genomics. DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10482-0
    6. Knockdown of NFIC Promotes Bovine Myoblast Proliferation through the CENPF/CDK1 Axis
      Year: 2024
      Authors: Jianfang Wang, Juntao Guo, Shengchen Yu, Hengwei Yu, Abebe Belete Kuraz, Diba Dedacha Jilo, Gong Cheng, Anning Li, Cunling Jia, Linsen Zan
      Citation: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01811
    7. Comprehensive Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals Regulatory Mechanism of Intramuscular Fat Content in Beef Cattle
      Year: 2024
      Authors: Hengwei Yu, Shengchen Yu, Juntao Guo, Jianfang Wang, Chugang Mei, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Gong Cheng, Linsen Zan
      Citation: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07844
    8. The growth curve determination and economic trait correlation for Qinchuan bull population
      Year: 2023
      Authors: Yu Hengwei, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Sihu Wang, Rajwali Khan, Amel Ayari-Akkari, Dalia Abd El Moneim Ahmed, Ijaz Ahmad, Muhammad Shaoib, Ayman H. Abd El-Aziz, Siddiq Ur Rahman
      Citation: Animal Biotechnology. DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2111309
    9. The body weight heritability and the effect of non-genetic factors on the body measurement traits in Qinchuan cattle
      Year: 2023
      Authors: Yu Hengwei, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Hailah M. Almohaimeed, Seham Saeed Alzahrani, Sahar Mohamed Alkhalifah, Almohaimeed Latifah Yasir B, Almuhimid Lama Yasir B, Linsen Zan
      Citation: Animal Biotechnology. DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2154222
    10. Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Novel Loci Associated with Body Conformation Traits in Qinchuan Cattle
      Year: 2023
      Authors: Hengwei Yu, Shengchen Yu, Juntao Guo, Gong Cheng, Chugang Mei, Linsen Zan
      Citation: Animals. DOI: 10.3390/ani13233628
    11. Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals variation in intramuscular fat among muscle locations of Qinchuan cattle
      Year: 2023
      Authors: Hengwei Yu, Jianfang Wang, Ke Zhang, Gong Cheng, Chugang Mei, Linsen Zan
      Citation: BMC Genomics. DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09452-9
    12. Integrative Analysis of Blood Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveals Molecular Regulation of Backfat Thickness in Qinchuan Cattle
      Year: 2023
      Authors: Hengwei Yu, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Yueting Pan, Gong Cheng, Chugang Mei, Linsen Zan
      Citation: Animals. DOI: 10.3390/ani13061060
    13. Research progress of m6A regulation during animal growth and development
      Year: 2022
      Authors: Yu Hengwei, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Zhang Wenzhen, Yang Xinran, Hailah M. Almohaimeed, Aliah R. Alshanwani, Rasha Assiri, Waheeb S. Aggad, Linsen Zan
      Citation: Molecular and Cellular Probes. DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2022.101851

     

Arinaitwe Andrew Izaara | Aquaculture | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Arinaitwe Andrew Izaara | Aquaculture | Best Researcher Award

Aquaculture Scientist, National Agricultural Research Organization, Uganda

Arinaitwe Andrew V. Izaara is a Ugandan aquaculture scientist affiliated with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) at Mukono ZARDI. With over a decade of experience, he leads the aquaculture research unit in the Lake Victoria Crescent Zone, focusing on enhancing production efficiency and sustainability in freshwater tropical aquaculture through machine learning and AI applications. Arinaitwe specializes in tilapia broodstock improvement, farmed fish production, and data-driven innovations in fish hatcheries. He holds memberships in professional organizations such as the World Aquaculture Society and has authored numerous impactful publications.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

MSc Sustainable Aquaculture – University of St. Andrews, Scotland (2022 – Ongoing). Executive MBA – Quantic School of Business and Technology, Washington DC (2022 – 2023). MSc Zoology (Fisheries Resources & Aquatic Sciences) – Makerere University, Uganda (2008 – 2012). BSc Fisheries & Aquaculture – Makerere University, Uganda (2001 – 2004)

💼 Experience 

Aquaculture Scientist (2013–Present) – NARO, Mukono ZARDI: Leads aquaculture research in tilapia broodstock, farmed fish production, and sustainability. Research Assistant (2010–2013) – NARO, Mukono ZARDI: Conducted research and farmer training in aquaculture management.

🏆 Awards and Honors 

European Commission-FARA grant for multi-stakeholder aquaculture innovation. Government of Uganda grants for tilapia seed development and hatchery productivity. Certificate in Research Proposal Development and Management (2018). Advanced Aquaculture Training, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2008).

🔬 Research Focus

AI and machine learning applications for optimizing cage-based aquaculture systems. Tilapia broodstock improvement and sustainable seed production. Enhancing hatchery productivity using locally sourced live feeds such as rotifers and copepods. Socioeconomic impact of aquaculture innovation in urban and peri-urban regions.

Conclusion 

Arinaitwe Andrew V. Izaara demonstrates remarkable qualifications and a proven track record of impactful research in sustainable aquaculture. His dedication to integrating AI and machine learning in aquaculture places him at the forefront of innovation in his field. While opportunities exist to amplify his global presence and diversify his research portfolio, his expertise, leadership, and scholarly contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication

  • Title: Effect of stocking density on growth and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus 1758) under cage culture in Lake Albert, Uganda
    Year: 2020
    Author(s): I Abaho, T Zaabwe, A Izaara, HN Kasigwa, N Mushabe, S Byenkya, …
    Citation: 25
  • Title: Profitability and viability analysis of aquaculture production in Central Uganda: a case of urban and peri-urban areas
    Year: 2018
    Author(s): N Safina, A Gertrude, O Lawrance, W Ronald, C Alphonse, O Samuel, …
    Citation: 17
  • Title: Fatty acid profiles and growth of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) larvae fed on freshwater rotifer (Brachionus calyciflorus) and Artemia as live starter feeds
    Year: 2016
    Author(s): I Abaho, G Bwanika, P Walekhwa, AVI Arinaitwe, J Kwetegyeka
    Citation: 15
  • Title: Fatty acid profiles and growth of African catfish larvae fed on freshwater cyclopoid copepods and artemia as live starter feed
    Year: 2013
    Author(s): P Chepkwemoi, GN Bwanika, J Kwetegyeka, G Mbahizireki, L Ndawula, …
    Citation: 10
  • Title: Performance of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Clarridae) fry fed on live rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus), formulated diet and a mixture of rotifers and formulated diet
    Year: 2016
    Author(s): A Beingana, G Kwikiriza, G Bwanika, I Abaho, AA Izaara
    Citation: 9
  • Title: Effect of type of nutrient media on the biomass and fatty acid profiles of microalgae (Chlorella spp.)
    Year: 2020
    Author(s): AAV Izaara, G Bwanika, L Ndawula, JKI Abaho
    Citation: 2
  • Title: Effect of Storage Density and Temperature on the Survival and Fatty Acid Profiles of Cyclopoid Copepods (Thermocyclop sp.)
    Year: 2024
    Author(s): G Kwikiriza, R Semyalo, G Bwanika, A Barekye, J Kwetegyeka, AA Izaara, …
    Citation: 1
  • Title: Use of Plant Extracts to Control Reproduction in Tilapia Production Systems: An Emerging Eco-Friendly Innovation
    Year: 2023
    Author(s): I Abaho, NN Gabriel, AA Izaara
    Citation: 1
  • Title: Emerging Sustainable Aquaculture Innovations in Africa
    Year: 2023
    Author(s): NN Gabriel, E Omoregie, KP Abasubong
    Citation: 1
  • Title: Capture-based aquaculture of the Nile perch
    Year: 2020
    Author(s): MT Mwanja, V Muwanika, A Izaara
    Citation: 1
  • Title: Selective Breeding for Genetic Improvement of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) in Uganda: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
    Year: 2025
    Author(s): I Abaho, G Kwikiriza, F Atukwatse, AA Izaara, J Ekwangu, SD Baguma, …

 

Reza Vakili | Animal Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Reza Vakili | Animal Science | Best Researcher Award

Reza Vakili, born on June 26, 1972, is a renowned Professor in the Faculty of Animal Science at Azad University, Iran. He specializes in poultry nutrition, feed formulation, and animal physiology. With a diverse career, he holds multiple roles, including supplement designer at Makian Layer Integration Company, feed technologist at Dizbad GPCO, and Senior Technical Advisor at Agrovet Company in Austria. His expertise spans across the egg-laying and broiler industries, with a focus on advancing feed technologies and optimizing production systems to meet global protein demands.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓Education

Reza earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and his Master’s degree in Poultry Nutrition. He completed his Ph.D. in Poultry Science from a prestigious university. His education laid the foundation for a career dedicated to animal husbandry, poultry management, and improving feed technologies. He has continually advanced his knowledge, contributing to both academic and practical advancements in the poultry industry.

💼Experience

Professor Vakili has extensive experience in poultry science, having worked as a feed technologist, supplement designer, and senior technical advisor. He has contributed to the development of eco-friendly supplements and has worked on optimizing poultry feed quality and performance. His roles have spanned academia and industry, where he has focused on enhancing poultry production systems through research, development, and practical applications.

🏆Awards and Honors

Reza Vakili has received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to poultry science. These include the “Research Excellence Award” in 2015, the “Early Career Research Award” from SERB in 2017, and several travel grants for international conferences. He has also received funding for workshops and was recognized for his significant research on feed processing and poultry nutrition.

🔬Research Focus

Vakili’s research revolves around feed formulation, feed additives, and improving poultry production systems. His work includes optimizing pellet quality, exploring eco-friendly supplements with cholesterol-lowering properties, and assessing the impacts of conditioning time and temperature on feed quality. He also focuses on animal physiology, digestive health, and reducing contaminants like aflatoxins and ochratoxins in poultry feed.

Publications

  • Effects of dietary fat, vitamin E and zinc on immune response and blood parameters of broiler reared under heat stress
    • Authors: AA Rashidi, YG Ivari, A Khatibjoo, R Vakili
    • Published in: Res. J. Poult. Sci 3 (2), 32-38
    • Year: 2010
    • Summary: This study examines how dietary fat, vitamin E, and zinc influence immune responses and blood parameters in broilers exposed to heat stress.

 

  • Effects of different levels of protein with or without probiotics on growth performance and blood metabolite responses during pre-and post-weaning phases in male Kurdi lambs
    • Authors: V Vosooghi-Poostindoz, AR Foroughi, A Delkhoroshan, MH Ghaffari, …
    • Published in: Small Ruminant Research 117 (1), 1-9
    • Year: 2014
    • Summary: This study investigates the impact of various protein levels, with or without probiotics, on growth and blood metabolites in male Kurdi lambs during the pre- and post-weaning phases.

 

  • Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens Fed Diets Supplemented with Herbal Extracts and Flaxseed
    • Authors: R Vakili, R Majidzadeh Heravi
    • Published in: Poultry Science Journal 4 (Issue 2), 81-171
    • Year: 2016
    • Summary: This research evaluates the performance and egg quality of laying hens fed diets enriched with herbal extracts and flaxseed.

 

  • Effects of microencapsulated essential oils on growth performance and biomarkers of inflammation in broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis
    • Authors: M Moharreri, R Vakili, E Oskoueian, G Rajabzadeh
    • Published in: Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences 21 (5), 349-357
    • Year: 2022
    • Summary: This study explores the effects of microencapsulated essential oils on growth and inflammation biomarkers in broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis.

 

  • Phytobiotic role of essential oil-loaded microcapsules in improving the health parameters in Clostridium perfringens-infected broiler chickens
    • Authors: M Moharreri, R Vakili, E Oskoueian, G Rajabzadeh
    • Published in: Italian Journal of Animal Science 20 (1), 2075-2085
    • Year: 2021
    • Summary: The study investigates how essential oil-loaded microcapsules impact health parameters in broiler chickens infected with Clostridium perfringens.

 

  • Effects of two kinds of bentonite on the performance, blood biochemical parameters, carcass characteristics and tibia ash of broiler chicks
    • Authors: F Khanedar, R Vakili, S Zakizadeh
    • Year: 2012
    • Summary: This paper analyzes the effects of two types of bentonite on broiler chicks’ performance, blood biochemistry, carcass traits, and tibia strength.

 

  • Evaluation of Microencapsulation Essential Oils in Broilers Challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis. A Focus on the Body’s Antioxidant Status, Gut Microbiology, and Morphology
    • Authors: M Moharreri, R Vakili, E Oskoueian, G Rajabzadeh
    • Published in: Archives of Razi Institute 77 (2), 629-639
    • Year: 2022
    • Summary: This study assesses the effects of microencapsulated essential oils on antioxidant status, gut microbiota, and morphology in broilers infected with Salmonella Enteritidis.
  • Effects of Different Levels of Dried Citrus Pulp and Urea on Performance of Fattening Male Calves
    • Authors: GR Ahooei, R Vakili
    • Published in: Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 10 (14), 1811-1816
    • Year: 2011
    • Summary: This research evaluates the performance of fattening male calves fed different levels of dried citrus pulp and urea.

 

  • Effects of dietary fat, vitamin E and zinc supplementation on tibia breaking strength in female broilers under heat stress
    • Authors: Vakili, Reza; Rashidi, Sobhani
    • Published in: African Journal of Agricultural Research 5 (23), 3151-3156
    • Year: 2010
    • Summary: The study explores the impact of dietary fat, vitamin E, and zinc on the tibia strength of female broilers under heat stress conditions.

 

  • Saffron extract feed improves the antioxidant status of laying hens and the inhibitory effect on cancer cells (PC3 and MCF7) Growth
    • Authors: R Vakili, M Toroghian, ME Torshizi
    • Published in: Veterinary Medicine and Science 8 (6), 2494-2503
    • Year: 2022
    • Summary: This study investigates the effects of saffron extract on the antioxidant status of laying hens and its inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth (PC3 and MCF7).

 

  • The effects of dietary fat, vitamin E and zinc supplementation on fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of muscle thigh in broilers under heat stress
    • Authors: R Vakili, AA Rashidi
    • Published in: African Journal of Agricultural Research 6 (12), 2800-2806
    • Year: 2011
    • Summary: This paper examines how dietary fat, vitamin E, and zinc affect the fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of muscle in broilers under heat stress.

 

 

Fortune Lindy Manganyi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs. Fortune Lindy Manganyi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Research Technician at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Fortune Lindy Manganyi-Valoyi is a South African Research Technician at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), specializing in forage production and evaluation. She holds an MSc in Agriculture (Pasture Science) and has vast experience in fieldwork, project management, and research in the agricultural sector. Fortune is passionate about improving livestock production through forage crops, and she leads various research initiatives related to sustainable land management and environmental conservation. She is skilled in overseeing experimental trials, training farmers, and facilitating knowledge transfer. Additionally, she supervises forage production teams and interns, contributing to the development of South Africa’s agricultural research and knowledge base.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

MSc in Agriculture (Pasture Science), University of South Africa, 2024. BSc. Agriculture (Pasture Science) (Honours), University of Limpopo, 2014. Project Management (Certificate), University of Pretoria, 2024. Introduction to Seed Science (Certificate), University of Pretoria, 2022. Scientist Profession (SACNASP Registration), 2018. Senior Certificate, Nyanisi Secondary School, 2010

💼 Experience

Fortune has served as a Research Technician at ARC since December 2019, managing forage production projects, conducting veld condition assessments, and overseeing the evaluation of various forage species. She coordinates field trips, trains farmers, and supervises the forage production team. Previously, she worked as a Scientific Production Intern, Agricultural Advisor, and Postgraduate Trainee, gaining expertise in pasture management, research development, and sustainable agricultural practices.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Accepted Publications in African Journal of Range & Forage Science and Grasses Journal, 2024. Contributed to the development of scientific methodologies in forage crop preservation and seed germination research. Recognition for outstanding research contributions, including the publication on “The Potential for Endozoochorous Dispersal of Vachellia nilotica Seeds”. Active in national research initiatives for South African rangeland improvement, including funding for forage production trials and demonstration plots.

🔬 Research Focus

Fortune’s research focuses on sustainable forage production, seed germination, and the evaluation of Brachiaria and other indigenous grass species. She investigates methods to improve livestock feed through better crop practices, evaluating crops like Calobota sericea and Vachellia nilotica in semi-arid rangelands. Her work also addresses bush encroachment and water-limited agricultural conditions, striving for solutions in the optimization of forage resources in South Africa’s challenging ecological zones.

Conclusion

Fortune Lindy Manganyi-Valoyi is a highly promising candidate for the Young Scientist Award, demonstrating a blend of academic excellence, practical research contributions, and leadership potential. Her work in the forage and pasture science sector addresses key challenges in South Africa’s agricultural landscape, particularly regarding sustainable feed production and bush encroachment management. Given her solid academic background, significant research involvement, and leadership skills, she stands out as a deserving candidate for this recognition.

📚Publications 

  1. Ensiling as a technique for preservation of the nutritional quality of Vachellia nilotica
    • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science
    • Date: December 11, 2024
    • DOI: 10.2989/10220119.2024.2415667
    • Contributors: Fortune L Manganyi, Julius Tjelele, Khanyisile R Mbatha, Ngoako Letsoalo, Stephen Modiba, Thamsanqa Mpanza, Francuois Müller

 

  1. Seed Germination Responses to Temperature and Osmotic Stress Conditions in Brachiaria Forage Grasses
    • Journal: Grasses
    • Date: October 17, 2024
    • DOI: 10.3390/grasses3040019
    • Contributors: Francuois L. Müller, Jabulile E. Leroko, Clement F. Cupido, Igshaan Samuels, Nothando Ngcobo, Elizabeth L. Masemola, Fortune Manganyi-Valoyi, Tlou Julius Tjelele

 

  1. Influence of different temperatures on seedling growth and development of Calobota sericea, a semi-arid rangeland species of South Africa
    • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science
    • Date: July 2, 2024
    • DOI: 10.2989/10220119.2024.2311105
    • Contributors: Francuois Müller, Letty Masemola, Fortune Manganyi, Nothando Ngcobo