The department carries the legacy of the then ‘Department of Physiology and Nutrition’ under Bengal Veterinary College since its inception during British era. This department feels honored to share its glorifying history under the leadership of eminent physiologist Prof. D. P. Sadhu, former head of the department with several prestigious global recognitions and a fellow of the Indian National Science Academy. He had significant contribution in the areas of endocrinology, energy metabolism, nutritional biochemistryand vitamin interactions, and histochemical responses in animals as evident by seven consecutive publications in ‘Nature’ during 1956-1963 with the affiliation of Department of Physiology and Nutrition, Bengal Veterinary College.During this period, first-ever post graduate course in veterinary science was started under this department.
The re-named ‘Department of Veterinary Physiology’ started its journey under the West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences in 1995, with the objective of catering undergraduate and post graduate teaching, and research in basic and applied physiology.
For the undergraduate studies under VCI curriculum the department tries to make the students fell the joy and excitement of learning physiology. The postgraduate & PhD studies under this department are mostly focused on advanced learning of the subject as well as need-based research. The thrust areas of research are basic physiology, endocrinology & lactation, molecular basis of adaptation ðology, advancement in sustainable poultry production, molecular biology & reproductive biotechnology, stem cell technology & bioengineering. The department has the experience / experiencing of executing a considerable number of R&D projects of external funding agencies of India and abroad, also conduct joint research programme with different State Agricultural Universities, National Institutes and overseas collaboration. The state-of-the-art research and information centerdeveloped under the ‘Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana’ scheme of the Govt. of Indiaserves as a reference laboratory for the inter-departmental projects of this university for the advancement of veterinary science. Several books have been published from this department in diverse area of physiology. The department regularly conduct refresher’s courses, summer school & training for professional upliftment for the science graduates and research scholars of different institutes.
