Academic Field Visit to Varol Family Farm Goat Enterprise in Senir Town of Isparta by Students of the Laboratory and Veterinary Health Program

Burdur Food Agriculture and Livestock Vocational School, students of the Laboratory and Veterinary Health Program, under the academic coordination of Dr. Instructor Türker ATCALI, conducted a comprehensive technical visit to the goat enterprise named Varol Family Farm owned by Ziynet BALBEY in Senir Town of Isparta to concretize the theoretical gains of students in goat breeding and herd management in the field. This study served as an important academic bridge for students to observe the sectoral operations on-site and enhance their competencies regarding professional veterinary practices.

During the visit, students personally carried out critical veterinary activities related to herd general health screenings, specific parenteral drug applications, management of strategic vaccination schedules, and protection of foot health, deepening their field experiences.

Additionally, on-site examinations were conducted regarding barn hygiene protocols and optimization of animal feeding rations, allowing theoretical knowledge to be evaluated comparatively with practical field data.

Another key component of the technical trip program was the management of the enterprise and production technologies. In interactive sessions with the enterprise officials and technical team, modern herd management strategies, advanced technology milking methods, the operation of automation-supported milking systems, and current approaches in maintenance-feeding practices were discussed. Students had the opportunity to directly obtain information from breeders operating in the sector about the direct effects of milking systems on efficiency and the periodic maintenance of these systems, as well as hygienic milking standards, thus broadening their professional vision.

This technical trip, where different disciplines such as herd management, reproduction, feeding, and hygiene management were observed together, not only increased the students' professional confidence but also allowed them to gain a holistic perspective on the managerial processes of highly productive livestock enterprises. The Laboratory and Veterinary Health Program continues to prepare its students in accordance with the requirements of modern animal husbandry through sectoral collaborations, focusing on the applied education model.