Department of Animal Genetics & Breeding

The Department

About the Department

PREAMBLE

The department of Animal Genetics and Breeding was established in the year 1998 as a constituent department of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. The faculty members of the erstwhile department of Animal Science specializing in Animal Breeding discipline were transferred to the department of Animal Genetics and Breeding in the year 2003.

VISION

Human Resource Development in Animal Genetics and Breeding, and Genetic Improvement of Livestock

MANDATE

To Impart Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Education in Animal Genetics and Breeding

To Conduct Basic and Applied Research in the Field of Animal Genetics and Breeding

To Disseminate Technical Knowledge to Farmers and Stakeholders for Livestock Improvement

MISSION

Quality training for Master's and Ph.D. students in Animal Genetics and Breeding

Identification, characterization, and validation of germplasm and its genetic improvement in the state of Uttarakhand

Genetic improvement of farmers' livestock through scientific intervention

Academics

Courses Offered by the Department to UG / Diploma Students

Course Number	Course Title	Credit Hours
B.V.Sc. & A.H. Degree Programme (Annual System)
AGB 200	Animal Genetics & Breeding	4(3-0-1)
Courses Offered for Diploma in Veterinary Pharmacy and Livestock Extension
DVP 113	Introduction to Livestock Breeds	2(1-0-1)
DVP 121	Introduction to Computer and its Application	2(1-0-1)

M.V.Sc. Degree Programme (Animal Genetics and Breeding)

Course No.	Course Name	Credit Hours
Major Courses
AGB 601*	Animal Cytogenetics and Immunogenetics I	3(2-0-1)
AGB 602*	Molecular Genetics I	3(2-0-1)
AGB 603*	Population and Quantitative Genetics	3(2-0-1)
AGB 604*	Selection Method and Breeding System	3(2-0-1)
AGB 605*	Biometrical Genetics I	3(2-0-1)
AGB 610*	Laboratory Animals and Rabbit Breeding	2(2-0-0)
The remaining credits will be chosen from the list of Post Graduate courses of Animal Genetics and Breeding, 600 series		3
Seminar
AGB 688	Master’s Seminar	1
Minor / Optional Courses		8
Supporting Courses
BMB 646	Techniques in Molecular Biology	3(0-0-3)
BPS 661	Experimental Statistics	4(3-0-1)
Common Courses
BHS 500	Technical Writing and Communication Skills	1(0-0-1)
BHS/AAC 502	Research, Research Ethics and Rural Development Programmes	1(1-0-0)
BPC 506	Basic Concepts in Laboratory Techniques	1(0-0-1)
AGP 518	Intellectual Property and its Management	1(1-0-0)
BHS 611	Library and Information Services	1(1-1-0)
Research
AGB 690	Master’s Thesis Research	30
Total		71
Minor Courses (For other departments)
AGB 603	Population and Quantitative Genetics	3(2-0-1)
AGB 604	Selection Method and Breeding Systems	3(2-0-1)
The remaining 2 credits will be chosen from the list of Post Graduate courses of Animal Genetics and Breeding, 600 series

Ph.D. Degree Programme (Animal Genetics and Breeding)

Course No.	Course Name	Credit Hours
Major Courses
AGB 701*	Molecular Genetics II	2(2-0-0)
AGB 702*	Trends in Animal Breeding	2(2-0-0)
AGB 703*	Biometrical Genetics II	3(2-0-1)
AGB 704*	Advances in Selection Methodology	3(2-0-1)
Remaining credits chosen from the list of Post Graduate courses of Animal Genetics and Breeding, 700 series		2
Seminar
AGB 788	Doctoral Seminar I	1
AGB 789	Doctoral Seminar II	1
Minor / Optional Courses		6
Supporting Courses
BHS 652	Research Methodology I	1(1-0-0)
BPS 653	Research Methodology II	3(2-0-1)
BHS 654	Research and Publication Ethics	2(2-0-0)
Research
AGB 790	Ph.D. Thesis Research	75
Total		101
Minor Courses (For other departments)
AGB 702	Trends in Animal Breeding	2(2-0-0)
AGB 704	Advances in Selection Methodology	3(2-0-1)
The remaining 1 credit will be chosen from the list of Post Graduate courses of Animal Genetics and Breeding, 600/700 series

List of Post Graduate Courses

Course No.	Course Name	Credit Hours
AGB 601*	Animal Cytogenetics and Immunogenetics I	3(2-0-1)
AGB 602*	Molecular Genetics I	3(2-0-1)
AGB 603*	Population and Quantitative Genetics	3(2-0-1)
AGB 604*	Selection Method and Breeding System	3(2-0-1)
AGB 605*	Biometrical Genetics I	3(2-0-1)
AGB 606	Conservation of Animal Genetics Resources	2(2-0-0)
AGB 607	Cattle and Buffalo Breeding	3(2-0-1)
AGB 608	Sheep and Goat Breeding	2(2-0-0)
AGB 609	Poultry Breeding	3(2-0-1)
AGB 610*	Laboratory Animal and Rabbit Breeding	2(2-0-0)
AGB 611	Swine Breeding	1(1-0-0)
AGB 612	Pet Animal Breeding (Dogs and Cats)	1(1-0-0)
AGB 613	Wild Animal Genetics and Breeding	1(1-0-0)
AGB 614	Equine Breeding	1(1-0-0)
AGB 615	Camel Breeding	1(1-0-0)
AGB 616	Yak and Mithun Breeding	1(1-0-0)
AGB 617	Statistical Methods in Animal Breeding	3(2-0-1)
AGB 687	Master’s Special Problem	1 or 2
AGB 688	Master’s Seminar	1
AGB 690	Master’s Thesis Research	30
AGB 701*	Molecular Genetics II	2(2-0-0)
AGB 702*	Trends in Animal Breeding	2(2-0-0)
AGB 703*	Biometrical Genetics II	3(2-0-1)
AGB 704*	Advances in Selection Methodology	3(2-0-1)
AGB 705	Bioinformatics in Animal Breeding	2(1-0-1)
AGB 706	Animal Cytogenetics and Immunogenetics II	2(2-0-0)
AGB 707	Statistical Software in Animal Breeding	2(1-0-1)
AGB 787	Doctoral Special Problem	1 or 2
AGB 788	Doctoral Seminar I	1
AGB 789	Doctoral Seminar II	1
AGB 790	Ph.D. Thesis Research	75

* Core courses.

Facilities

DEPARTMENTAL FACILITIES

Computer Laboratory

Molecular Genetics Laboratory

Under Graduate Laboratory

Conference Room

Faculty

Faculty Members

Dr. D. Kumar

Professor & Head

+91-7248499777
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Dr. A.K. Ghosh

Professor

+91-9411304480
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Dr. Brijesh Singh

Professor

+91-941160035, +91-8077762871
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Dr. R.S. Barwal

Professor

+91-9412017011
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Dr. B.N. Shahi

Professor

+91-9410587169
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Dr. Sunil Kumar

Associate Professor

+91-9412823621
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Research Projects

Ongoing Research Projects

Name of the Project	Name of PI/Co-PI	Duration	Funding Agency
AICRP on Cattle (Frieswal)-FPT	Dr. Brijesh Singh, Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, Dr. A.K. Ghosh, Dr. B.N. Shahi and Dr. Ripusudan Kumar	January 2010 and onwards	ICAR-CIRC, Meerut, UP
Network Project on AnGR Characterize/Conserve Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources of Uttarakhand	Dr. B.N. Shahi, Dr. D. Kumar and Dr. Sunil Kumar	October, 2023 and onwards	ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal (Haryana)
Empowering Tribal Families in Uttarakhand: A Poultry-Based Approach to Economic Security	Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dr. D. Kumar, Dr. Mansi, Dr. Shive Kumar, Dr. Ripusudan Kumar, Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, Dr. Kanchan Arya (KVK Pithoragarh), Dr. A.K. Sharma, and Dr. A.K. Singh (KVK Dehradun)	February 2025 and onwards	ICAR-TSP Component
Network Project on Buffalo Improvement	Dr. A.K. Ghosh, Dr. D. Kumar, Dr. Brijesh Singh, Dr. B.N. Shahi, Dr. Ripusudan Kumar, Dr. Sunil Kumar	April 2026 and onwards	ICAR-CIRB, Hisar

Externally Funded Research Projects (Completed)

Name of the Project	Name of PI/Co-PI	Duration	Funding Agency
Investigation on system approach in breeding technique in Sahiwal cows to enhance milk yield and reproductive efficiency along with conservation of indigenous germplasm	Dr. R.B. Prasad Dr. R.K.S. Bais	02 years & 07 months (16.08.99 to 31.03.02)	U.P. Govt. 18.43 Lacs
Optimization of Livestock and Poultry production sub-system under integrated farming system in Kumaon and Garhwal region of Uttara Pradesh	Dr. H.P. Singh Dr. D. Kumar	04 Year (1999-2004)	UPCAR
Animal Genetic Resource Biodiversity Characterization & Conservation of Tarai buffalo	Dr. R.B. Prasad Dr. H.P. Singh Dr. H.P. Gupta	04 Years (12.01.2000 to 31.12.04)	NATP (ICAR) 32.75 Lac
Characterization of small hill cattle of Kumaon region	Dr. D. Kumar Dr. A.K. Gaur Dr. H.P. Singh	01 Year (03.02.04 to 02.02.05)	ICAR 7.71 Lacs
Characterization and conservation of local hill fowl of Kumaon region	Dr. Shive Kumar Dr. D. Kumar Dr. R.K. Sharma	03 Years (04.08.05 to 03.10.08)	ICAR 19.16 Lacs
Establishing Elite Flock of Guinea Fowl Under Semi-Intensive System for Economic Upliftment of Rural Women of Uttarakhand	Dr. B. Singh Dr. Anil Kumar Dr. R.S. Barwal	03 Years (Sept., 08 to Aug., 11)	DBT 12.23 Lacs
Enhancing Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment among Tribal Families in Uttarakhand through Scientific Goat Farming	Dr. A.K. Ghosh, Dr. D. Kumar, Dr. R.S. Barwal, Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dr. Ripusudan Kumar, Dr. A.K. Sharma, and Dr. A.K. Singh (KVK Dehradun)	December, 2024 to May 2025	ICAR-TSP Component 9.0 Lacs

University Funded

Name of the Project	Name of PI/Co-PI	Duration	Funds Allocated
Improvement & establishment of elite flock of guinea fowl with a view to develop a suitable methodology for managing guinea fowl in Semi-Intensive system in Uttaranchal	Dr. B. Singh	02 Years (April, 03 to May, 05)	-
Economic viability of large and small breeds of dog under Tarai conditions	Dr. D. Kumar Dr. Prakash. Bhatt Dr. M. Patel	02 Years (July, 03 to June, 05)	-
Studies on genetic abnormalities of reproductive disorders in crossbred and Sahiwal cattle	Dr. A.K. Ghosh Dr. D. Kumar Dr. R.S. Barwal	03 years (Feb., 04 to Jan., 07)	-
Characterization and conservation of local hill fowl of Kumaon Region	Dr. Shive Kumar Dr. D. Kumar Dr. R.K. Sharma	01 Year (Jan., 09 to Dec., 09)	1.00 Lac

Student Info

Detail of PG Students

S.No.	Student Name	ID No.	Year of Admission	Advisor Name	Thesis Title
	Astha Srivastava	63199	2025	Dr. B.N. Shahi	Phenotypic Characterization and Principal Component Analysis of Morphometric Traits of Kow Bakar Goat of Uttarakhand

Achievements

Teaching

The Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding is a key division of the college, dedicated to offering high-quality education in Animal Genetics and Breeding. It offers undergraduate courses for the B.V.Sc & A.H. degree programme, along with Master’s and Ph.D. degree programmes.At the undergraduate level, the department offers one course consisting of three units (Paper-I & Paper-II). At the postgraduate level, it offers 31 specialized courses for Master's and Ph.D. students. Additionally, the department offers two courses for students pursuing a Diploma in Veterinary Pharmacy and Livestock Extension. Since its establishment, the department has successfully trained and graduated 165 Master's students and 60 Ph.D. scholars, contributing significantly to the field of Animal Genetics and Breeding.

Research

The department's primary research areas include Population and Quantitative Genetics, Molecular Genetics, and the Characterization, Validation, and Conservation of livestock.With a strong research foundation, the department has published over 300 research papers and 115 popular articles in esteemed national and international journals. Additionally, faculty members have presented approximately 470 research papers at various national and international conferences and symposia.

The key research achievements of the department are as follows:

The department has successfully registered Chaugarkha goat breed (in collaboration with other institute), and the Udaipuri goat and Kow Debar sheep breeds as distinct breeds of Uttarakhand.

The department has got Uttara as a chicken breed registered in collaboration with LPM department.

Phenotypic characterization of Hill/Badri cattle has been done and strategy for its improvement and conservation has been suggested.

Application on two other lesser-known breeds, namely Kow Bakar (goat) and Tarai buffalo have also been submitted to ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal, for registration as distinct breeds.

Under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Cattle “Freiswal” (FPT), the age at first calving in Frieswal cattle decreased from 1,140 days to 1,020 days, while the first-lactation milk yield (305 days) increased from 2,495 kg to 3,792 kg over a period of 10 years.

Under the Network Project on Buffalo Improvement, G.B.P.U.A. & T., Pantnagar unit funded by ICAR-CIRB, Hisar, the department is undertaking buffalo improvement activities in Uttarakhand.

The micro satellite marker studies were conducted in the case of Chaugarkha and Udaipuri goats, and in poultry. The genome-wide association studies were conducted in the case of Badri cattle.

The genetic evaluation studies for sires and high yielding dams were done and corresponding methodologies were developed for livestock improvement.

Extension

The department also extends its services through participation in farmers' fairs, Kisan Gosthees, radio talks, TV programmes, and cattle/dog shows.

The department has recorded 69 radio talks and 25 TV programmes so far for the benefit of livestock owners and farmers.

The faculty members of the department participate as resource persons in the training programmes organized by the Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Extension and the Directorate of Extension for extension workers, veterinary officers, farmers, para-veterinary staff, etc.

The faculty members of the department have also participated in the Krishi Mahotsav organized by the Department of Agriculture (Govt. of Uttarakhand) twice a year.

The faculty members of the department have also participated in the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programmes organized by the University.

Cattle stakeholders in Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts were provided with feed supplements, medicines, and AI facilities, along with proper semen doses under an AICRP on Freiswal cattle (FPT). The beneficiaries were trained on different production aspects, and significant results were achieved.

Additionally, through various training programmes on cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and poultry, the farmers from the districts of Udham Singh Nagar, Almora, Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, and Dehradun benefited.

National symposium organized by the Department

Symposium on Strategies National of sustainable dairy development in Uttaranchal from March 13-14, 2022.

Conservation and Propagation of Indigenous Breeds of Cattle & Buffaloes form February 26-28, 2004.

Conventional and Modern Breeding Technologies for Genetic Improvement of Livestock and Poultry in India from October 22-23, 2010.

Integrated Development of Vast Biodiversity of Indigenous Livestock for Long Term Rural Livelihood Security from February 7-8, 2013.