Conference on Small Ruminants Production and Health in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions, January 26-28, 2008, Oman

 

Hosted by: Sultan Qaboos University, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences

Cosponsored by: International Goat Association

Welcome to Oman! The Sultanate of Oman is situated at the extreme south-east of the Arabian peninsula. Its coastline ranks amongst the most beautiful in the world, with scenery ranging from magnificent beaches leading to fertile plains and rugged mountains that run right into a sea of perfect blue. Visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the warmth and friendliness of a people who leave lasting impressions on everyone they meet. Oman is a country of forts, falajes, frankincense, date palms, desert plains and spectacular mountains.

Program Highlights:
Day 1: Friday, January 25, 2008
• Arrival of participants
• Tour of Sultan Qaboos University and Experiment Station (3:00 – 5:00 pm)
• Welcoming cocktail party (6:00 – 8:00 pm)

Day 2: Saturday, January 26, 2008
Session 1: Opening
8-11 am --- Registration at the Conference Hall lobby
9-10 am --- Opening ceremony
10-12 --- Exhibition
11-11:30 am --- Keynote Speaker 1, Overview of the Small Ruminant Sector: Challenges and Opportunities
11:30-12:00 noon --- Keynote Speaker 2, Small Ruminant Health in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions
1-2 pm --- Lunch

Session 2: Small Ruminant Products
2-2:30 pm --- Keynote Speaker 3, Meat Production from Small Ruminants
2:30-4 pm --- Oral Presentations
4-5 pm --- Poster Session
Session 3: Reproduction and Breeding
2-2:30 --- Keynote Speaker 4, Reproduction in Small Ruminants
2:30-4 pm --- Oral Presentations
4-5 pm --- Poster Session
8 pm Tour of Muscat City

Day 3: Sunday, January 27, 2008
Session 1: Health & Welfare
9-10 am --- Keynote Speaker 5, Small Ruminants Health
10-11 am --- Poster Session
11-12 noon --- Oral Presentations
12:15 -1:30 pm --- Lunch
2-2:30 pm --- Keynote Speaker 6, Small Ruminants Stress Behaviour
2:30-4:00 pm --- Oral Presentations
4-4:30 pm --- Posters & Tea break

Session 2: Nutrition
9-10 am --- Keynote Speaker, Small Ruminants Nutrition
10-11 am --- Poster Session
11-12 noon --- Oral Presentations
12:15-1:30 pm --- Lunch
2-4 pm --- Oral Presentations
4-4:30 pm --- Posters & Tea break
7:00 p.m. Conference Dinner and Closing

Day 4: Monday, January28, 2008
Field Day
8 am --- Field Visit to Al- Jabal Al Khadar
1-2 pm --- Lunch at Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar Hotel
2-4 pm --- Visit to Nizwa Souq

Official Language:
The official language of the conference is English.

Conference Topics:
The conference will cover the following areas of small ruminants production and health
1. Nutrition
2. Health and welfare
3. Production and products
4. Reproduction
5. Breeding

Call for papers:
Participants are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations. Abstracts must reach the conference secretary by August 30, 2007. Participants will receive confirmation by September 30, 2007. Final full papers should be received by November 15, 2007. Visa application requirements should be received by October 15, 2007.

Exhibition:
An exhibition will be organized as a part of the conference. Manufacturers or commercial companies dealing with livestock enterprises and related activities are welcome to display their products and technologies. Further details can be obtained from the conference secretary. Deadline for requests is October 15, 2007.

Important Information:
Hotel accommodation with transportation is available close to the conference facility.
Currency: 1 Omani Rial approximately = $2.60 USD
Visas are required for certain passport holders. This requries early reception of your passport details.

Correspondence:
All correspondence should be addressed to:
Conference Secretary
Sultan Qaboos University
College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences
Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences
P.O Box 34, Al Khod 123, Sultante of Oman
Fax: (968) 24413418, Email: nawal@squ.edu.om

Registration Fees:
Registration fee for the conference is $100 USD. This will cover the cost of the proceedings, lunches, conference dinner and tours.

Deadlines:
Preliminary registration: May 30, 2007
Abstract submission: August 30, 2007
Final paper submission: November 15, 2007
Visa applications: Octobr 15, 2007