VETERINARY COLLEGE AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THENI

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL GENETICS AND BREEDING

The Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding has been functioning since the inception of the Veterinary College and Research Institute, Theni, in the year 2020. The department is actively engaged in undergraduate teaching, research, and extension activities in the field of Animal Genetics and Breeding.

The department has dedicated infrastructure to support quality teaching and hands-on learning, including a well-equipped Computer Laboratory for Biostatistics and Computer Applications and a separate Undergraduate Laboratory for practical sessions in Animal Genetics and Breeding.

Objectives

To impart quality education in Animal Genetics and Breeding at the undergraduate level.
To conduct research on conservation and genetic improvement of indigenous animal genetic resources.
To disseminate scientific breeding technologies for the benefit of the farming community.
To serve stakeholders through customized training and expert advisory services.

Courses Offered

In accordance with the MSVE 2016 regulations prescribed by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI), the department offers the following undergraduate courses for the Second Professional Year of the B.V.Sc. & A.H. program.

Course Title: Animal Genetics and Breeding – Paper I & II

Credit Hours: 3+1
Course Units:
Unit I: Biostatistics and Computer Applications
Unit II: Principles of Animal and Population Genetics
Unit III: Principles of Animal Breeding

Infrastructure Facilities

(a) Building Infrastructure:

Facility	Area (sq. ft.)
UG Laboratory	664
Computer Laboratory	1381
Store Room	245
Cytogenetics Laboratory	362
HOD Chamber	265
Department Office	245
Associate Professor Room	127
Assistant Professor Room	127
Lecture Hall	1445

(b) Major Equipment Available

Desktop Computers – 20 Nos
Distillation Unit – 1 No
Binocular Microscopes – 20 Nos
Phase Contrast Microscope – 1 No
Centrifuge Machine – 1 No

Research Initiatives

Short-Term Goals:

Survey, characterization, and conservation of indigenous breeds like Malaimadu cattle, native sheep, goats, and Kombai dog.
Genetic polymorphism studies and association analyses with economic and sporting traits
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in livestock breeding programs.

Long-Term Goals

Conservation of native animal genetic resources from Theni and surrounding districts.
Development of molecular marker panels for disease resistance traits in livestock.
Applications of the artificial intelligence/ IoT in the animal breeding

Extension

Dissemination of scientific breeding methods via on-campus/off-campus training, TV and radio broadcasts for farmers, students, and academicians.
Hands-on training programs in breed identification, animal selection, conservation, and scientific breeding techniques for farmers.
Introductory training courses in bioinformatics tailored for students and faculty.

Outreach Activities

Breed Promotion Campaigns: Conducted awareness programs on indigenous breeds such as Malaimadu cattle, Kombai dog, and native goats in collaboration with local livestock farmers and Panchayat unions.
Field-Level Genetic Evaluation: Organized livestock data collection drives for identifying elite animals under natural and farm conditions.
Farmer-Scientist Interactions: Arranged field visits and interactive workshops to bridge the knowledge gap between academic research and field practices.
Awareness Drives on Genetic Conservation: Participated in exhibitions, Krishi Melas, and Farmer-Producer Organization (FPO) events to promote sustainable breeding practices.

Infrastructural Highlights

State-of-the-Art UG Laboratories equipped with molecular and statistical teaching.
Fully Digital Computer Lab supporting biostatistical software and academic computing.
Dedicated Cytogenetics Laboratory for chromosomal and cellular analysis.
Spacious Lecture Hall with smart classroom features and modern teaching aids.
Well-Organized Faculty Officers supporting academic and research mentoring.

Faculty

Name of the Faculty	Designation	E-mail	Mobile#
JAGADEESAN,K	ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND HEAD	jagadeesan.k@tanuvas.ac.in	9566082013
SATHEESHKUMAR,P	ASSISTANT PROFESSOR	sazvet@gmail.com	9797824956

The Head of the Department,
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding,
Veterinary College and Research Institute,
Theni – 625 534.
E-mail: agb-vcri-thn@tanuvas.org.in