The Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS) is a state public university located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. It is dedicated to higher education, research and extension in the fields of veterinary science, animal husbandry, dairy technology and allied disciplines, with a particular focus on the livestock economy of the arid and semi-arid regions of western India.
Key facts
| Name | Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | RAJUVAS |
| Type | State public university |
| Location | Bikaner, Rajasthan, India |
| Discipline | Veterinary and animal sciences |
| Jurisdiction | State of Rajasthan |
Overview
RAJUVAS was established by the Government of Rajasthan to consolidate education and research relating to veterinary medicine, animal production and dairy science within the state. The university brought several pre-existing veterinary and animal science colleges in Rajasthan under a single academic and administrative umbrella, with its headquarters at Bikaner.
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. Its undergraduate flagship is the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) degree, which is regulated by the Veterinary Council of India under the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984. Postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes are offered across departments such as veterinary medicine, surgery, gynaecology, pathology, microbiology, parasitology, public health, animal nutrition, animal genetics and breeding, livestock production management, and veterinary pharmacology.
Constituent and affiliated institutions
RAJUVAS oversees veterinary colleges and animal science institutions located in different parts of Rajasthan, in addition to its headquarters campus in Bikaner. These include the College of Veterinary and Animal Science at Bikaner, which is among the older veterinary colleges in the state, as well as colleges at other locations such as Vallabhnagar (Udaipur), Navania and Jaipur. The university also maintains a College of Dairy and Food Technology and a network of livestock research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras serving farmers in different agro-climatic zones.
Research and extension
Given Rajasthan's importance as a livestock-rearing state, RAJUVAS focuses on research relevant to indigenous breeds and dryland animal husbandry. Areas of work include:
- Conservation and improvement of indigenous cattle breeds such as Tharparkar, Rathi, Gir and Kankrej.
- Sheep and goat husbandry, including breeds like Marwari, Magra, Chokla, Nali and Sirohi.
- Camel health and production, with collaborative work alongside national institutions in Bikaner.
- Dairy science, milk processing, and animal nutrition under arid conditions.
- Veterinary public health, zoonoses surveillance and disease diagnostics.
Extension activities include farmer training programmes, animal health camps, vaccination drives and advisory services delivered through its colleges and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Administration
The university is headed by a Vice-Chancellor appointed by the Government of Rajasthan, with the Governor of Rajasthan serving as the Chancellor in the manner customary for state universities. Academic and administrative governance is exercised through statutory bodies such as the Board of Management, Academic Council and Faculty boards.
Significance
RAJUVAS plays a central role in supporting Rajasthan's livestock sector, which contributes significantly to rural livelihoods in the state. By training veterinarians, livestock specialists and dairy technologists, and by undertaking region-specific research, the university addresses challenges of animal health, productivity and sustainability in arid environments. It works in coordination with the state's Department of Animal Husbandry and with central research bodies under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
Related topics
- Bikaner
- Veterinary Council of India
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Animal husbandry in India
- Tharparkar cattle
- National Research Centre on Camel
- Education in Rajasthan
References
- Wikidata entry: Q30262845
- Government of Rajasthan, Department of Animal Husbandry.
- Veterinary Council of India, list of recognised veterinary institutions.