Figen KırkpınarORCID icon for 0000-0002-2018-755X

Ege University Turkey

Professor Dr. Figen Kırkpınar graduated from the Department of Animal Science at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye in 1984. She was then assigned as a research assistant in the same department in 1986. She completed her Master of Science degree in 1987 and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1993, both at Ege University in Türkiye. She has received the 'National Publication Encouragement Award' from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye and the Science and Technology Centre of Ege University seven times. In 2002, her project received an honourable mention at the Engineering Science Project Competition organised by the Science and Technology Centre of Ege University. In 2020, she was awarded an accolade from Ege University in recognition of her accomplishment in successfully completing the most scientific projects. She served as Head of the Animal Science Department from 2014 to 2017 and as Head of the Feeds and Animal Nutrition Department from 2011 to 2017. She served as a member of the Advisory and Executive Boards of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, as well as the Research Support Programs Directorate and the Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Research Support Group, from 2017 to 2020. She also served as Deputy Director of the Application and Research Centre for Laboratory Animals at Ege University from 2017 to 2024. She has been a member of the Animal Experiments Ethics Committee at Ege University since 2013 and has served as vice president of the Farm Animal Experiments Ethics Committee since 2020. She has been Head of the Animal Nutrition Science Department since 2023. She has occupied the positions of Director of the Application and Research Centre for Laboratory Animals and Chairman of the Local Ethics Committee for Aquatic Vertebrate Experiments at Ege University since 2025. She has contributed to the editorial boards of scientific periodicals and has served as a peer reviewer. Professor Dr. Kırkpınar has authored or co-authored fourteen book chapters and over 200 research papers that have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings. The primary focus of her research endeavours pertains to the domain of feeds and animal nutrition, with a particular emphasis on feed additives, sustainable poultry nutrition, biotechnology, and the quality of meat and eggs.

Figen Kırkpınar

1books edited

3chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Figen Kırkpınar

As the global demand for animal-derived food continues to rise, the feed industry is under increasing pressure to provide nutritional solutions that are high-performance, sustainable and safe. Animal Feeds and Additives brings together cutting-edge research and practical insights to address the complex challenges and emerging opportunities shaping modern animal nutrition. This comprehensive volume begins with an in-depth analysis of the current state of the global feed and feed additives industries, as well as their future objectives and strategies. It highlights the key drivers of innovation, ranging from climate change and resource constraints to shifts in consumer expectations and regulatory landscapes. The chapter on using food waste in animal nutrition focuses on sustainability, exploring novel approaches to resource recovery and circular feeding systems. This section demonstrates how rethinking waste can reduce environmental impact while maintaining feed quality and safety. The book also examines the controversial topic of antibiotics in animal feed, presenting a balanced view of their historical benefits and the growing concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance. This discussion provides context for the industry's ongoing transition towards alternative, health-promoting strategies. Supporting precision nutrition and environmentally responsible livestock production, the chapter on feed additives for ruminants examines how targeted supplements can enhance productivity, reduce methane emissions, and improve overall animal health and welfare. Finally, a review of the effects of spray-dried plasma on broiler chickens sheds light on the role of this promising additive in boosting growth performance, gut health, and immune response. Designed for animal nutritionists, feed manufacturers, researchers and students, Animal Feeds and Additives is a valuable guide to the evolving science and strategies behind efficient, ethical and sustainable animal production.

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