Animal Scientist From Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
Atakan Koç is a distinguished professor in animal science at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Türkiye. With over three decades of experience, he specializes in cattle breeding, milk production, fertility, and quality improvement. His expertise extends to sustainable livestock management, camelid research, and dairy production systems. Koç has held various academic and administrative positions, including head of the department and director of research centers. He is actively involved in supervising PhD and MSc theses, contributing to advancing animal science research. As a member of multiple scientific organizations, including ISOCARD, he promotes knowledge exchange and collaboration. His extensive publications and leadership in international and national research projects reflect his dedication to improving livestock production efficiency and quality.
Professional Profile
Education
Atakan Koç holds a diverse and comprehensive educational background in animal science. He earned his PhD from Adnan Menderes University in Türkiye (1997-2001), focusing on genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates related to fertility and milk yield in Holstein dairy cattle. Prior to that, he completed his MSc at The University of Melbourne, Australia (1994-1997), with a thesis on genetic improvement in beef cattle and breeding program development for both Dookie Agricultural College and Türkiye. His academic journey began with a BSc from Ankara University (1987-1991), where he specialized in animal science. Koç’s international academic exposure has significantly contributed to his expertise in cattle genetics, dairy production, and breeding programs, laying the foundation for his impactful research and teaching career.
Professional Experience
Atakan Koç has a distinguished professional career in academia and research. He is currently a professor at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science. His previous roles include associate professor and assistant professor at the same institution. Additionally, he served as a research assistant at Trakya University and later at Aydın Adnan Menderes University from 1992 to 2003. Koç also gained international experience through participation in a cattle production course in Sefhayim, Israel, and his MSc studies in Australia. His administrative roles include Head of Department and Director of Research and Application Centers, contributing to academic leadership and the advancement of animal science education and research.
Research Interests
Atakan Koç’s research interests are deeply rooted in animal science, with a primary focus on dairy and beef cattle breeding, milk yield improvement, and milk quality assessment. His work explores genetic parameters, somatic cell count, fertility traits, and carcass quality. Additionally, he has a keen interest in sustainable livestock management, including camel breeding and dairy production systems. Koç is actively involved in projects related to camel milk production, investigating its microbiological and physicochemical properties. His interests also extend to the application of artificial intelligence in livestock farming and evaluating the behavioral characteristics of cattle under different environmental conditions, contributing to improved production efficiency and animal welfare.
Research Skills
Atakan Koç possesses a robust skill set in animal science research, encompassing quantitative genetics, breeding program design, and statistical modeling for livestock data analysis. He is proficient in evaluating milk yield, fertility traits, and somatic cell count in dairy cattle. His technical expertise includes conducting large-scale field studies, analyzing carcass and meat quality traits, and assessing the impact of environmental factors on livestock production. Koç is also skilled in scientific writing, project management, and supervising research theses. His collaborative work with international teams demonstrates his ability to lead and contribute to large-scale research initiatives, utilizing modern methodologies for data collection and analysis.
Awards and Honors
Atakan Koç’s contributions to animal science have earned him recognition and prestigious honors. He has received accolades for his role in various national and international scientific projects. As the coordinator and researcher in projects supported by higher education institutions, he has been acknowledged for advancing dairy production and improving cattle breeding practices. His membership in ISOCARD and board membership in TMMOB Chamber of Agricultural Engineers highlight his influence in the scientific community. Additionally, Koç’s editorial role in the Journal of Animal Production reflects his standing as a respected figure in agricultural research, contributing to knowledge dissemination and scholarly excellence.
Conclusion
Atakan Koç is a leading figure in animal science, renowned for his expertise in cattle breeding, dairy production, and livestock management. His academic journey, marked by international education and research collaborations, has shaped his impactful career. Through his extensive publications, supervision of research theses, and involvement in large-scale projects, Koç has significantly contributed to the field. His dedication to improving milk quality, livestock productivity, and sustainable farming practices reflects his commitment to advancing agricultural science. With a distinguished career, he continues to influence the scientific community, fostering innovation and promoting research excellence in animal science.
Publications Top Notes
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Effect of Changes in Farm Management on the Yield and Constituents, Microbiological Quality, Somatic Cell Count and Fatty Acid Profile of the Camel Milk
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Selda Bulca, Alkan Çağlı, Selma Büyükkılıç Beyzi, Bernard Faye, Gaukhar Konuspayeva, Mehmet Ulaş Çınar
- Year: 2025
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Growth Performance, Body Measurements and Live Weight Estimation of Tülü (Bactrian × Dromedary F1) Calves from Birth to Six Months of Age
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Alkan Çağlı
- Year: 2025
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Bursa İli Karacabey İlçesinde Özel Bir İşletmede Yetiştirilen Simmental (Fleckvieh) Irkı Sığırların Dış Görünüş Özelliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi
- Authors: Nazif Uzun, Atakan Koç
- Year: 2024
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Type Traits of Primiparous Holstein-Friesian and Red-Holstein Cows Raised Together in a Farm in Aydın Province
- Authors: Frederic Ndihokubwayo, Atakan Koç
- Year: 2024
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Type Traits of Holstein-Friesian and Red-Holstein Cows Raised Together in a Private Farm in Aydın Province
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Frederic Ndihokubwayo
- Year: 2024
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Breeding Pure and Crossbreeds of European Cattle Breeds for Milk Production Improvement under Tropical Climate Conditions—a Review
- Authors: Frederic Ndihokubwayo, Atakan Koç
- Year: 2024
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A Research on Fertility, Herd Life, Milk Production and Milk Quality Characteristics of Simmental (Fleckvieh) Cows: 1. Reproduction, Herd Life and Milk Production Characteristics
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Mehmet Öner
- Year: 2023
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A Research on Fertility, Herd Life, Milk Production and Milk Quality Characteristics of Simmental (Fleckvieh) Cows: 2. Milk Quality
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Mehmet Öner
- Year: 2023
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Camel Milk Production System in Türkiye
- Authors: Atakan Koç
- Year: 2022
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A Study on the Changes of Colostrum Quality, Milk Constituents and Somatic Cell Count after Calving in Holstein Friesian Cows
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Berkay Gaser
- Year: 2022
- Süt Devesi Yetiştiriciliği Bakım-Yönetim Kılavuzu (Book)
- Authors: Bernard Faye, Gaukhar Konuspayeva, Atakan Koç
- Year: 2021
- A Study on Milk Yield, Fertility and Milk Quality Characteristics of Primiparous Red-Holstein and Holstein-Friesian Cows
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Ramazan Gürses
- Year: 2020
- Milk Yield, Reproduction and Milk Quality Characteristics of Simmental and Red-Holstein Cattle Raised at a Dairy Farm in Aydın Province: 2. Milk Quality
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Çağrı Arı
- Year: 2020
- Milk Yield, Reproduction and Milk Quality Characteristics of Simmental and Red-Holstein Cattle Raised in a Dairy Farm in Aydın Province: 1. Reproduction and Milk Yield
- Authors: Atakan Koç, Çağrı Arı
- Year: 2020
- Transglutaminaz Enziminin Deve Sütünden Üretilen Yoğurdun Bazı Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisi
- Authors: Selda Bulca, Fahriye Ümüt, Atakan Koç
- Year: 2020
- Deve Sütü: Yoğurt Üretiminde Kullanılacak Yeni Bir Protein Kaynağı
- Authors: Selda Bulca, Atakan Koç
- Year: 2020
- MONTHLY CHANGES OF BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS IN HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN, BROWN SWISS AND SIMMENTAL BULLS
- Authors: Atakan Koç
- Year: 2019
- Develerde Karkas ve Et Kalite Özellikleri
- Authors: Abdullah Bülbül, Atakan Koç
- Year: 2018
- Siyah–Alaca, Esmer ve Simmental Tosunların Besi Performansı, Karkas ve Et Kalite Özellikleri
- Authors: Eray Çatikkas, Atakan Koç
- Year: 2017
- Effects of Somatic Cell Count and Various Environmental Factors on Milk Yield and Foremilk Constituents of Red-Holstein Cows
- Authors: Atakan Koç
- Year: 2015
- A Research on Milk Yield, Persistency, Milk Constituents and Somatic Cell Count of Red Holstein Cows Raised under Mediterranean Climatic Conditions
- Authors: Yilmaz H., Koç A.
- Year: 2013
- Short Communication: Effects of Some Environmental Factors and Extended Calving Interval on Milk Yield of Red Holstein Cows
- Authors: Koç A.
- Year: 2012
- A Study of the Reproductive Performance, Milk Yield, Milk Constituents, and Somatic Cell Count of Holstein-Friesian and Montbeliarde Cows
- Authors: Koç A.
- Year: 2011
- Food Safety at the Dairy Farm Level: Knowledge, Practices and Attitudes of Farmers
- Authors: Armagan G., Koç A., Ozden A.
- Year: 2009
- Some Factors Influencing Milk Somatic Cell Count of Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss Cows under the Mediterranean Climatic Conditions
- Authors: Koç A., Kizilkaya K.
- Year: 2009
- Analysis of Repeated Milk Somatic Cell Count of Holstein-Friesian Cows Raised in Mediterranean Climatic Conditions
- Authors: Koç A.
- Year: 2006