Having been carried out by the faculty members of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Near East University, the studies on Breast Health and Milk Quality in North Cyprus Damascus Goats received oral presentation award at the 2nd International Veterinary Microbiology Congress.

The Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of Near East University released that the 2nd International Congress of Veterinary Microbiology (XIII. National Congress of Veterinary Microbiology) was held at Sherwood Breezes Resort Lara-Antalya on16-19 October 2018. Many national and international scientists involved in bacteriology, virology, epidemiology, immunology, poultry, and biotechnology participated in the congress.

The 2nd International Congress of Veterinary Microbiology provided a scientific environment for the participants to express the problems encountered and discussed the solutions regarding the issue. Professor Ömer M. Esendal and Asst. Prof. Dr. Hüban Göçmen, lecturer at the Department of Microbiology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Near East University, and the research assistants Halit Şükür and Hazel Tamakan participated in the congress and represented Near East University with oral and poster presentations.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Hüban Göçmen's presentation on the study titled "Investigation on Breast Health and Milk Quality Parameters in North Cyprus Damascus Goats in Postpartum Period" deemed worthy for the best oral presentation award. Professor Selim Aslan, Asst. Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz and Asst. Prof. Dr. Osman Ergene also involved in the project which was supported by Near East University Scientific Research Coordination Committee.

291 Goat Milk Samples were examined to investigate Bacteria/Yeast Load and Changes in milk in Postpartum Period...
The study presents data acquired from analysis on goat milk samples milked from Damascus goats in North Cyprus during the postpartum period. The study evaluates the breast health and milk quality parameters in Damascus goats in the postpartum period by correlating somatic cell count (SCC), total bacteria count (TBC) and the results of bacteriological isolation with the early lactation period.

Based on Total viable count (TVC) and mycological examination on 291 goat-milk samples milked from Damascus goats on the 10th, 20th and 30th day of the postpartum period, the microorganisms such as coagulase negative Staphylococcus bacteria (S.chromogenes S.simulans, S.xylosus, S.equorum and S.warneri) and Saccharomyces spp., Debaryomyces spp. and Candida spp. yeasts had been isolated. Based on the data acquired from examinations on milk samples that collected in late-postpartum period, the study points out that there is not only significant decrease in total bacteria count and somatic cell count but also significant improvement in milk quality.