Mr. Rawad Sweidan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Researcher | National Agricultural Research Center | Jordan

Rawad Sweidan is a researcher at the Livestock Research Directorate, National Agricultural Research Center, with a focus on ruminant nutrition and livestock production, particularly in sheep and camel breeds. His work has garnered 57 citations to date, reflecting his growing influence in animal science and agricultural research, with an h-index of 4 and i10-index of 2. Sweidan’s research spans from applied animal husbandry practices to plant-based interventions in livestock health. Notably, he investigated the effects of castration on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Awassi lambs fed high-concentrate diets, a study cited 32 times, which provides critical insights for optimizing meat production efficiency in small ruminants. More recently, he has explored the use of willow (Salix spp.) extracts as a natural means to inhibit coccidia sporulation in goats, reflecting his interest in sustainable and herbal approaches to animal health. His work on willow silage for fattening Awassi lambs further illustrates his commitment to integrating locally available plant resources into livestock feeding strategies. Sweidan has also contributed to understanding the genetic uniqueness of the Alia camel in Jordan, emphasizing the importance of conserving and utilizing indigenous breeds for food security. Beyond livestock nutrition, he has participated in broader regional projects, such as the Enhancing Food Security in Arab Countries initiative, evaluating the adoption and impacts of agricultural interventions across Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia. Additionally, he has co-authored studies on herbal medicine as natural alternatives for avian coccidiosis control, highlighting his multidisciplinary approach bridging animal nutrition, health, and sustainable agricultural practices. Collectively, Sweidan’s work demonstrates a dedication to improving livestock productivity, promoting animal health through natural and cost-effective strategies, and supporting food security initiatives in the Arab region, making him a notable contributor to both practical and scientific advancements in ruminant nutrition and agricultural sustainability.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Haddad, S. G., Husein, M. Q., Sweidan, R. W. (2006). Effects of castration on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Awassi lambs fed high concentrate diet. Small Ruminant Research, 65(1-2), 149-153.

2. Muklada, H., Davidovich-Rikanati, R., Wilkerson, D. G., Klein, J. D., Sweidan, R., et al. (2020). Genotypic diversity in willow (Salix spp.) is associated with chemical and morphological polymorphism, suggesting human-assisted dissemination in the Eastern Mediterranean. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 91, 104081.

3. Haj-Zaroubi, M., Mattar, N., Awabdeh, S., Sweidan, R., Markovics, A., Klein, J. D., et al. (2024). Willow (Salix acmophylla Boiss.) leaf and branch extracts inhibit in vitro sporulation of coccidia (Eimeria spp.) from goats. Agriculture, 14(5), 648.

4. Awabdeh, S., Sweidan, R., Landau, S. Y. (2022). Growth performance and carcass characteristics of fattening Awassi lambs fed willow silage. Small Ruminant Research, 215, 106758.

5. Sweidan, R. W., Hayajneh, F. M., Awabdeh, S. A., Al-Nsour, S. S. (2025). Herbal medicine: A natural alternative treatment of avian coccidiosis. International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences, 14(5), 811-817.

Rawad Sweidan’s research advances sustainable livestock nutrition and animal health by integrating plant-based solutions and optimizing indigenous breeds, directly supporting food security and agricultural innovation in the Arab region. His work bridges science and practice, promoting eco-friendly strategies that benefit society, industry, and global livestock management.