The Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding was established in 1976 under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya at Mohanpur in the Nadia district of West Bengal. Following the establishment of West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences on 2 January 1995, the Department has been functioning under the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences with its academic and research activities conducted at both Belgachia and Mohanpur campuses.

The Department is actively engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, and extension activities in the fields of Animal Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding, integrated with Biostatistics and Computer Applications. The postgraduate (M.V.Sc.) programme emphasizes advanced academic learning and applied research, while the doctoral (Ph.D.) programme focuses on basic and applied research, innovation, scientific advancement, and academic leadership in the discipline of Animal Genetics and Breeding. The programmes emphasize strong integration of theory with practical exposure, ensuring that students acquire essential skills through laboratory work, field-based training, and research activities. Practical components are aligned with curriculum requirements and are regularly updated to meet professional standards.

Students are actively engaged through laboratory experiments, data analysis, field visits, breeding programme design, and dissertation research, enabling them to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world applications. Continuous assessment through practical exams, assignments, and research work ensures attainment of desired competencies. M.V.Sc. students receive substantial hands-on training through practical classes and thesis work, achieving a balanced skill set. Ph.D. scholars are predominantly engaged in research-based practical training, ensuring advanced expertise and innovation capacity. Overall, the programmes adequately meet curriculum requirements, with strong emphasis on experiential learning, thereby enhancing students’ professional competence and research capabilities.

Objectives of M.V.Sc. in Animal Genetics and Breeding:

• To impart advanced knowledge in animal genetics, genomics, and breeding principles.

• To develop skills in animal selection, breeding methodologies, and genetic evaluation techniques.
• To provide training in the application of genomics and biotechnological tools for genetic improvement of livestock and poultry.
• To build competence in research methodology, experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.

• To promote conservation and sustainable utilization of indigenous animal genetic resources.
• To prepare skilled professionals for teaching, research, and livestock development programmes.

Objectives of Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Breeding:

• To develop expertise in advanced genetics, genomics, and modern breeding strategies.
• To encourage independent basic and original research in the field of animal genetics and breeding.

• To apply advanced tools such as genomics, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics for livestock improvement.

• To formulate breeding policies and strategies for sustainable genetic improvement programmes.

• To support conservation, characterization, and sustainable utilization of animal genetic resources.
• To prepare competent leaders and scientists for academia, research organizations, and policy-making institutions.

Research Activities:

• Cytogenetic studies of different species of livestock and poultry.
• Genetic polymorphism study of different species of livestock and poultry.
• Study of disease resistance genes in Black Bengal goat and Garole sheep.
• Genetic improvement of Black Bengal Goat, Garole sheep, Ghoongroo pig and Haringhata Black Chicken.
• Genomics and Phenomics of Agro-climatological variation in Black Bengal Goat productivity and quality.
• Transcriptional approach to identify biomarkers of susceptibility and/or resistance to tuberculosis in native and crossbred cattle.