Keeping view the importance of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Education the higher authorities of the University unanimously agreed to start composite DVM degree program. For this purpose the Department of Animal Health was created in 2004. The introduction of new degree program will broaden the job opportunity of our graduates both in public and private sectors, and will allow our students to compete with those of other universities.
Aims
To standardize uniform degree programs in Veterinary and Animal Husbandry over the entire country
To produce graduates with professional knowledge and skills compatible to jobs and development at the national and international level
To match the professional standards of degree programs in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences to those required by the national regulatory bodies
Establishment of this Department was a pre-requisite for the five years composite DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree replacing the previous BSc Hons AH degree program. The requirement for admission in the DVM is FSc Pre-Medical subjects. Those admitted in the program have been on top of the merit as compared to other disciplines of the university. Since it started in January 2004, the third semester (DVM second profession) is in progress with around 40 students. This department with others runs the new program jointly. The program has been supported and recognized by the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council. The department plans to launch postgraduate degree programs by the times the required facilities are established.
Teaching facilities
The Department of Animal Health created to provide teaching and laboratory facilities. In the initial stages, collaboration was sought to have our students’ access to the laboratories of Veterinary Research Institute and Veterinary Hospitals of the province. A mega project entitled “Strengthening of Teaching and Research Capabilities of Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences” has been approved from HEC Islamabad and its implementation has already been started since September 2004. The award of construction of buildings including academic block, veterinary clinics and artificial insemination centers, semen production unit and breeding center is in process. The University is making every effort to ensure the completion of the project within the target time (June 2007).
Future vision
The Department envisions introducing postgraduate specialized degrees in the Animal Health by the time the essential teaching and research facilities are established. The department has visible linkages with the farmers, industrialists and development organizations within the country and abroad. Recently, a consultative group on livestock industry has been proposed and farmers included in the Departmental Board of Studies.