Rajasthan Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Bikaner

Background

Veterinary and animal sciences universities in India typically operate within the broader framework of state agricultural and veterinary higher-education policy. They are usually established by state legislation and function in coordination with national regulators that oversee professional standards in veterinary practice, dairy science, fishery science, animal husbandry and allied disciplines. Such universities commonly evolve from earlier veterinary colleges that were once part of larger agricultural universities, and they are often reconstituted as separate, specialised institutions to give greater administrative focus to livestock, poultry and companion-animal sciences, as well as to research that supports rural livelihoods.

Significance

A state veterinary and animal sciences university typically holds significance on several overlapping fronts: as a degree-granting authority for veterinary and allied professional education; as a research institution generating knowledge in animal health, breeding, nutrition and production; as an extension agency working with farmers and pastoralists; and as a partner to government departments responsible for disease surveillance, vaccination programmes and livestock policy. Where applicable, such universities also operate teaching hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and farms that train students and serve the public.