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 Africaā€™s agricultural research and knowledge base.

Profile

Orcid

šŸŽ“ 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

šŸ’¼ 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.

šŸ† 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.

šŸ”¬ 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 Africaā€™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.

šŸ“šPublicationsĀ 

  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 MĆ¼ller

 

  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. MĆ¼ller, 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 MĆ¼ller, Letty Masemola, Fortune Manganyi, Nothando Ngcobo

 

Mehdi Shahsavan| Animal Sciences| Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Mehdi Shahsavan| Animal Sciences| Young Scientist Award

Mehdi Shahsavan, based in Shiraz, Iran, is a passionate researcher specializing in Animal Science and Non-ruminant Nutrition. With a B.Sc. from Shiraz University and an M.Sc. from Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources University, he focuses on poultry immunology, microbiology, and alternative feed additives. His work integrates laboratory techniques like ELISA and spectroscopy with software proficiency in SAS and feed formulation tools. Mehdiā€™s dedication to animal welfare and sustainable nutrition is evident in his hands-on research and journal contributions. He brings leadership, collaboration, and strong communication skills to his roles.

Profile

Scholar

šŸŽ“ Education

Masterā€™s Degree: Agricultural and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan (2014-2017), Thesis: Effects of Silybum Marianum oil on broiler performance. GPA: 14.94/20. Bachelorā€™s Degree: Shiraz University (2010-2014), Animal Science, GPA: 13.09/20. Proficient in advanced instrumentation (e.g., ELISA, spectrophotometry) and animal behavior analysis techniques.

šŸ’¼ Experience

Part-Time Research Assistant (2021ā€“2023): Assisted Ph.D. candidates in experimental design and data analysis. Research Assistant (2010ā€“2017): Supported Master’s and Ph.D. projects in poultry science, physiology, and nutrition optimization. Hands-on expertise in conducting experiments, collecting data, and preparing scientific reports.

šŸ† Awards and Honors

Recognized for exceptional teamwork in student associations (2010-2011). IELTS Band Score: 6.5 (2022), demonstrating international communication competence. Reviewer for World’s Poultry Science Journal (2024), contributing expertise to global research.

šŸ”¬ Research Focus

Non-Ruminant Nutrition: Formulation of antibiotic-free diets with natural additives. Poultry Science: Immune system enhancement, microbiology, and growth performance. Animal Welfare: Studying stress responses under high-density conditions. Physiology: Gut tissue analysis and organ-weight studies using ELISA and plasma samples.

Conclusion

With a strong foundation in research, technical expertise, and a track record of impactful publications, Mehdi Shahsavan is a promising candidate for the Young Scientist Award. His dedication to exploring innovative feed additives and stress reduction strategies aligns well with current challenges in sustainable animal nutrition. By addressing minor areas of improvement, Mehdi is poised to make significant contributions to the advancement of animal science.

Publication

  1. Title: Effect of dietary inclusion of Silybum marianum oil extraction byproduct on growth performance, immune response and cecal microbial population of broiler chicken
    Year: 2021
    Authors: M Shahsavan, S Salari, M Ghorbani

 

  1. Title: Mode of action of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) derivations in poultry: intestineā€“liver axis, immunity, and woody breast muscle disorder
    Year: 2024
    Author: M Shahsavan

 

  1. Title: PSII-24 Effect of supplemental guanidinoacetic acid in low energy diets with different forms of pellet and mash on growth performance, intestinal morphology and some blood ā€¦
    Year: 2024
    Authors: M Toghyani, TA Hossein, M Shahsavan