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Years of History and Excellence in the Field of Veterinary Education
The Bombay Veterinary College, now known as Mumbai Veterinary College, was inaugurated on 2nd August 1886, making her one of the oldest veterinary institutions in Asia. The college was the visionary outcome of Prof. James Henry Steel, a dynamic and experienced veterinary expert, who also became its first Principal. The college found its home in the sprawling premises of the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals, which had been founded in 1883 by Sir Dinshaw Maneckji Petit, a philanthropist and industrialist. Located in Parel, Bombay, this animal hospital was already functioning as a center for animal care and treatment. Upon the establishment of the college, several buildings within the hospital campus were handed over to the British Government to accommodate the needs of the new educational institution. A large central bungalow on the hospital grounds was modified and repurposed to serve as the main college building. With suitable alterations and expansions, it came to house two lecture halls, a library, a museum, a pharmacy, offices for the Principal and Professors, and residential quarters for Resident Veterinary Officers. Recognizing the need for practical training, the Government of Bombay constructed a post-mortem room and a dissection hall adjacent to the hospital compound. Additional infrastructure such as student hostels and a shoeing forge were gradually added to support the educational and welfare needs of students.
By 1891, the college received a significant architectural and academic addition in the form of the Path-Bacteriological Laboratory, a grand three-storied Roman Gothic structure funded and built by Sir D. M. Petit. This laboratory symbolized the college’s commitment to cutting-edge research in pathology and bacteriology, which were emerging sciences at the time. A Lazaretto for animals suffering from contagious diseases and an incinerator were then added. Initially, a rigorous and prestigious Veterinary Diploma Course was introduced, personally designed by Prof. J. H. Steel. This course set high academic standards and served as a model of excellence in veterinary education across British India. However, this programme lasted only five years, as Prof. Steel passed away in 1891, and the government subsequently chose to simplify and shorten the curriculum, merging and modifying it into a three-year course.
Despite this change, the quality and prestige of the education offered at Bombay Veterinary College remained unmatched in the country for years. Principal James Henry Steel holds a singular and celebrated place in the history of veterinary science in India. His pioneering contributions to veterinary education, institution-building, scientific thought, and communication make him a towering figure whose legacy continues to shape the field over a century later. Through his contributions, Prof. J. H. Steel laid the groundwork for veterinary science as a recognized academic discipline in India — earning him the undisputed title of the Father of Modern Veterinary Education in India. Prof. Steel was a pioneer of veterinary science communication — a discipline now vital to the progress of public health, zoonotic disease control, and animal welfare. His foresight in establishing a scientific journalistic culture in Indian veterinary circles rightly earns him the accolade of Father of Modern Veterinary Journalism in India. The newly trained veterinarians emerging from the cradle of modern veterinary education in India, the Bombay Veterinary College rendered outstanding service to veterinary education, research and extension, significantly benefiting the land and people of India. Their expertise laid the foundation for veterinary scientific advancements across India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and East Africa. This pioneering influence continued until other institutions, such as those in Lahore, Rangoon, Calcutta, Madras and Patna, began offering similar English-medium instruction. Bombay Veterinary College thus holds the distinct honour of initiating this transformative movement and is rightly hailed as “The Pioneer” of modern veterinary education in India.
In 1908, the Government constructed a new college building for the Bombay Veterinary College within the compound adjoining the S.P.C.A. Hospital. This building was designed as a prototype of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (I.V.R.I.) building located in Mukteshwar, reflecting the architectural style and functional requirements of advanced veterinary institutions of that era. To accommodate the growing number of students, a hostel building was later added in 1921, providing residential facilities and enhancing the overall campus infrastructure. These developments marked important milestones in the college’s physical expansion, supporting its academic and research ambitions. In 1912, the Bombay Veterinary College formally adopted a three-year diploma course structure, which included comprehensive theory, practical, and viva voce examinations. This system remained in place until 1940, when significant modifications were made to the diploma curriculum. One notable change was the elevation of the entrance requirement to an Inter Science ‘B’ group level, meaning that students were expected to have already completed two years of university education covering basic sciences. This prerequisite allowed the three-year diploma programme to focus intensively on professional veterinary subjects. As a result, the curriculum expanded to offer more in-depth study in key areas such as Pathology, Bacteriology, and Parasitology, while also improving the teaching of Physiology and Biochemistry. Other professional subjects were similarly revamped with updated content and instructional approaches. By this period, the college had come under the administrative control of the Director of Veterinary Services, whose role was primarily focused on providing medico-surgical guidance and overseeing personnel management within the institution.
During the formative years of the Bombay Veterinary College, the institution attracted a cadre of outstanding professionals and scholars who laid a strong foundation for veterinary education in India. A number of veterinary experts served as acting or assistant principals before being deputed to other provinces, leaving a lasting impact on the college’s legacy. Among them was Major F. S. H. Baldrey, F.R.C.V.S., who not only served as acting Principal but also authored the influential book Elements of Bacteriology, reflecting the scientific rigour being developed at the college. Col. H. T. Pease, F.R.C.V.S., who worked alongside Major Baldrey, later presided over the Second All India Veterinary Conference held in Lucknow in 1924 and had earlier collaborated with Dr. A. Lingard at Mukteshwar in 1897 on pioneering bacteriological work. Another key figure, Mr. Frank Ware (later knighted), joined the college in 1907 and served as Vice Principal, contributing to its academic and administrative development. Parallelly, Indian faculty members were also rising to prominence — most notably Khan Saheb N. D. Dhakmarwala, one of the earliest Indian educators at the college. A staunch advocate for veterinary advancement, he worked closely with Prof. V. R. Phadke to bring national attention to the institution during times of governmental apathy. Other notable staff included Messrs Sowerby, Vakharia and Sheikh, who provided essential academic and clinical instruction, bridging colonial and Indian veterinary practices. Rao Bahadur B. K. Badami, the dynamic House Surgeon, was renowned for his surgical skill and mentorship at the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals. Collectively, these pioneering individuals elevated the college’s status, establishing her as a centre of veterinary excellence and shaping the course of veterinary science not only in India but across Asia and Africa.
During the difficult period of the early 1930s, the Bombay Veterinary College was at risk of being neglected and even abolished due to the apathetic attitude of the Government. However, two stalwarts — Principal V. R. Phadke and Khan Saheb N. D. Dhakmarwala — stood resolutely against this short-sighted policy. They worked tirelessly, using national platforms like the All India Veterinary Conferences to highlight the vital role of veterinary education. Rao Bahadur V. R. Phadke made history by becoming the first Indian Principal of Bombay Veterinary College in 1932. A 1904 graduate, he pursued postgraduate studies at Liverpool and the London School of Tropical Medicine, and was the first in India to successfully employ the serum simultaneous technique for controlling Rinderpest. He also discovered a new fluke in the Indian house crow, publishing his findings in a pamphlet titled Multivitellaria hewletti. For his meritorious contributions, he was honored with the title Rao Bahadur on New Year’s Honours Day in 1938. His legacy, along with that of Prof. Dhakmarwala and then Principal S. R. Chadha, culminated in a major milestone in 1945, when their collective efforts led to the affiliation of Bombay Veterinary College with the University of Bombay, enabling the college to award the B.Sc. (Vet.) degree. This alignment brought Bombay Veterinary College on par with other premier institutions in India like Madras and Lahore.
In 1945, thanks to the herculean efforts of then Principal S. R. Chadha, former Principal V. R. Phadke, and Prof. N. D. Dhakmarwala, Bombay Veterinary College achieved a landmark milestone by affiliating with Bombay University, enabling the institution to award the B.Sc. (Veterinary) degree. This affiliation marked the beginning of a transformative phase in the college’s academic landscape.
Following this transformation, the college saw the establishment of independent academic departments — Anatomy, Surgery, Physiology and Biochemistry, Animal Husbandry, Bacteriology, Pathology, Medicine, and Parasitology — under newly appointed faculty including Prof. J. P. Damri, Prof. F. S. Khambata, Prof. R. N. Naik, Prof. K. R. S. Aiyer, Dr. K. B. Nair, and Dr. S. R. Rao.
Prof. J. P. Damri was a prominent academician known for his dedication to veterinary education and research. He played a crucial role in the development of various academic programs and was instrumental in shaping the curriculum to meet evolving scientific and practical needs. His expertise was particularly valued in advancing veterinary physiology at the college, mentoring numerous students who went on to serve the profession nationwide.
Prof. F. S. Khambata was a distinguished academician and a vital contributor to the growth and modernization of Bombay Veterinary College during the mid–20th century. His association with the college spanned a critical phase of expansion in teaching, research, and institutional development. Initially appointed as Professor of Animal Husbandry, Dr. Khambata played a transformative role in elevating the department from a basic instructional unit to a well-structured and diversified academic discipline. He introduced a comprehensive curriculum covering livestock management, hygiene, farm constructions, animal nutrition, milk hygiene, and animal genetics, laying the foundation for integrated animal husbandry education in India. His efforts ensured that veterinary students received not only theoretical knowledge but also practical training through newly introduced extramural farm practices, where students engaged with real-world livestock economics and farm-level management strategies. He was adored by the students for his friendly demeanor and witty humour while teaching.
Prof. R. N. Naik contributed significantly to the academic and research environment at Bombay Veterinary College. With a strong focus on veterinary bacteriology and related subjects, he helped establish rigorous scientific standards for diagnostic and bacteriological studies. His work helped enhance the understanding of disease mechanisms and contributed to improving animal health services within the region.
Prof. K. R. S. Aiyer was the first professor of Pathology. He was known for his scholarly contributions and dedication to teaching veterinary pathology. His efforts were vital in establishing a solid foundation in the biological sciences, which formed the core of veterinary education at the college.
Dr. K. B. Nair was a respected member of the faculty with expertise in veterinary medicine. He played a key role in developing clinical teaching programs and advancing diagnostic methods. His clinical acumen and research initiatives contributed to improved veterinary healthcare practices and enhanced the training of students in animal disease diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. S. R. Rao was an influential figure in veterinary parasitology, particularly known for his work. Rao’s dedication to both teaching and research helped cement the college’s reputation as a leading institution for veterinary science in India.
A formal research wing was created under the Professor of Bacteriology, supported by Assistant Research Officers Dr. D. T. Parnaik and Dr. W. V. Chatupale, along with graduate assistants Dr. S. V. Phadke, Dr. P. R. Dhake, Dr. V. B. Kulkarni, and Dr. S. R. Kulkarni. This era also marked the introduction of extramural training in farm practices, giving students valuable exposure to the economics and management of livestock at the farm level. This transformation set the stage for the college’s emergence as a national center of veterinary education, research, and outreach.
In 1950, Bombay Veterinary College saw significant infrastructural growth with the construction of a two-story building dedicated to diagnostic services, specifically to accommodate the para clinical departments. During this decade, as part of a nationwide effort to enhance livestock productivity, the Cattle Sterility Scheme was introduced in the state. This ambitious programme required a multidisciplinary approach, and thus the headquarters for the Cattle Sterility Officer was established within the college. This dual role facilitated both teaching and investigative research in the vital field of Animal Reproduction.
The years 1956 to 1957 marked a significant reshuffle and enrichment of the teaching faculty. Prof. F. S. Khambata was appointed as Principal of Bombay Veterinary College, a position from which he continued to inspire academic reforms and infrastructural growth. He also helped nurture a young and dynamic faculty team, many of whom had undergone advanced training abroad, infusing the college with global perspectives and contemporary scientific approaches. Under his leadership, the college took significant strides toward becoming a nationally and internationally recognized center of veterinary education and research.
Supporting him was a distinguished team of professors. Dr. S. P. Deshpande was known for his dedication to teaching and development of clinical veterinary practices. Dr. S. N. Sapre contributed extensively to animal physiology and biochemistry, helping modernize the curriculum. Dr. S. R. Rao was a respected figure in pathology, guiding students through advances in disease diagnosis and control. Dr. K. R. Alur’s expertise in veterinary anatomy significantly strengthened the college’s academic foundation. Prof. Khambata was entrusted with the crucial task of nursing the newly started Veterinary College at Nagpur and Prof. G. G. Oak, an experienced veterinarian and dairy expert, took over as Principal.
Dr. C. R. Sane, an experienced and dedicated veterinarian, played a crucial role in managing the Cattle Sterility Scheme, a major initiative aimed at improving livestock quality across the state. Recognizing the increasing importance of this field, the Bombay Veterinary College established the Chair of Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1958, a position that Dr. Sane rightfully occupied. Alongside this, the undergraduate curriculum was expanded to include obstetrics and gynaecology as essential subjects, leading to the evolution of the college’s degree from B.Sc. (Veterinary) to B.V.Sc. (Bachelor of Veterinary Science). Dr. Sane’s pioneering efforts were instrumental in formalizing these disciplines within the college, significantly enhancing the scope and depth of veterinary education in India.
Dr. R. M. Kalapesi contributed to veterinary surgery and clinical education, while Dr. D. T. Parnaik was a driving force behind the establishment and growth of the research wing, fostering scientific inquiry and innovation. Together, this group of professors elevated the college’s stature as a leading veterinary institution in India.
Alongside them was a remarkable group of dynamic young veterinary educators — Dr. B. L. Purohit, Dr. S. G. Kshirsagar, Dr. G. R. Murkibhavi, Dr. M. R. Radkar, Dr. R. K. Raikar, and Dr. S. R. Hattangady — who played a vital role in revitalizing the Bombay Veterinary College faculty during the post-independence period. Many among them had the opportunity to receive advanced training abroad through various national scholarship and training programmes, which equipped them with cutting-edge knowledge and modern techniques in veterinary science. Their exposure to global standards and practices allowed them to introduce innovative teaching methods and research approaches, significantly enriching the academic environment. This infusion of fresh expertise contributed to raising the college’s standards and helped lay a strong foundation for its future growth and reputation as a leading institution in veterinary education.
In 1958, Prof. G. G. Oak, an expert in dairy science and an experienced veterinarian, briefly served as Principal of Bombay Veterinary College. He was succeeded by Prof. D. T. Parnaik, a distinguished leader who had earned a King’s Commission in the Indian Army Veterinary Corps during World War II. Under Prof. Parnaik’s stewardship from 1958 to 1963, the college witnessed significant growth and development, setting a firm foundation for its emergence as a premier institution in veterinary education and research.
During the academic year 1960–61, the college introduced the M.V.Sc. postgraduate programme following recommendations from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. The programme initially offered advanced study in Pathology, Bacteriology, and Parasitology. The following year, it expanded to include Animal Genetics & Breeding, Gynaecology, Surgery, and Medicine, with Anatomy joining the curriculum in 1963.
In 1963, Prof. C. R. Sane assumed stewardship of the college. Known for his progressive outlook and scientific expertise, he quickly gained the respect of both staff and students. Prof. Sane fostered strong collaborations with the medical fraternity and earned acclaim for his contributions to animal gynaecology and artificial insemination, further enhancing the college’s academic and research stature.
In 1964, Dr. S. L. Manjrekar succeeded Dr. C. R. Sane as Principal of the college. A distinguished researcher, Dr. Manjrekar had gained national recognition for his pioneering work on Rickettsial infections in sheep, a major concern in animal health. He also actively championed the Indian Veterinary Journal, published from Madras, which served as a crucial platform for the expression of veterinary professional thought across the country. However, before he could implement a full slate of reforms as Principal, he was appointed Joint Director of Animal Husbandry for the State of Maharashtra, a position that highlighted his stature in the veterinary field.
Dr. F. S. Khambata once again assumed the role of Principal in 1965. This was a pivotal moment in the state’s educational policy, as the Government of Maharashtra had initiated plans to establish an Agricultural University headquartered at Rahuri. Principal Khambata was a firm advocate of placing the veterinary faculty under the umbrella of the agricultural university system, believing this would better protect and promote the interests of veterinary education and research. Under his leadership, the Department of Physiology was strengthened and elevated to postgraduate status, offering M.V.Sc. programmes that expanded research and specialization opportunities for students.
In 1968, the college welcomed Dr. S. R. Hattangady as its new Principal. A graduate of the Madras Veterinary College and a renowned veterinary surgeon, Dr. Hattangady had earned acclaim across the country for his surgical expertise. He had further honed his clinical and surgical skills by attending an academic session at the prestigious Royal Veterinary College in London, which influenced his approach to modernizing veterinary surgery education in India. Under his stewardship, the college not only sustained its academic momentum but also enhanced its clinical training and surgical capabilities, reinforcing its position as a leading veterinary institution in the country.
During Dr. S. R. Hattangady’s tenure as Principal, a significant institutional shift occurred—Bombay Veterinary College was officially integrated as a constituent college under Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri, following the establishment of Maharashtra’s Agricultural University system. This transition marked a new chapter in the college’s history, aligning her more closely with the state’s broader agricultural and educational policies.
Navigating this organizational restructuring was a complex task, but Dr. Hattangady, with his administrative foresight and academic leadership, successfully guided the college through this formative phase. His ability to maintain the college's academic integrity while adapting to the governance framework of the new university system ensured that veterinary education remained a core priority within the agricultural sciences domain.
This period also saw greater academic expansion of postgraduate education. The Departments of Animal Nutrition and Pharmacology were upgraded to offer instruction at the Master’s level (M.V.Sc.), further enriching the college’s academic portfolio. These advancements enabled the college to provide deeper specialization and foster advanced research in fields crucial to animal health and production, strengthening its role as a national leader in veterinary education.
The period between 1970 and 2000 marked a significant era of institutional transformation and physical expansion for Bombay Veterinary College. Following the establishment of Maharashtra Agricultural University in 1968, the college was transferred to the new university system and briefly functioned as a constituent college of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. A major structural change occurred in 1972 with the formation of four regional agricultural universities in Maharashtra. As a result, the college became a constituent unit of Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (now Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth), Dapoli. During this transitional period, leadership at the college was held successively by Dr. R. K. Raikar and Dr. S. G. Kshirsagar, both serving as Associate Deans.
Recognizing the need for long-term planning in veterinary education and infrastructure, a high-level committee was constituted, including eminent personalities such as Dr. Manibhai Desai of Urali Kanchan, Shri Shantaram Gholap, Dr. Jayantrao Patil (Executive Counsellors in Agriculture University), Prof. Kshirsagar, and Shri B. R. Sawant (Registrar, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth). The committee identified Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon as an ideal location for campus expansion. In 1976, the Government of Maharashtra officially transferred 140 acres of land in Aarey to Bombay Veterinary College. This site was developed to host the undergraduate programme and provided ample space for future institutional growth. As part of the initiative, Cow Unit No. 22 at Aarey was repurposed into an instructional farm to provide hands-on training in livestock management.
In 1979, Dr. S. M. Ajinkya, a visionary academician with a strong research background, assumed the position of Associate Dean. His contributions included the establishment of a state-of-the-art Radio-isotope Laboratory, which significantly enhanced the college’s diagnostic and research capabilities. He also led an ICAR-sponsored project on Infectious Bursal Disease in 1983 and was later honored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research as a “Professor of Eminence.”
The period between 1976 and 1986 marked a transformative phase in the history of Bombay Veterinary College, driven by leadership, vision, and collaboration. With Dr. N. S. Deodhar assuming the role of Associate Dean in 1976, the college began realizing a long-anticipated dream—the development of a new, expansive campus in Aarey Milk Colony, strategically located along the Western Express Highway. Through the combined efforts of Dr. S. G. Kshirsagar, Dr. Deodhar, and Dr. S. M. Ajinkya, a 146-acre site was successfully transferred to the university by the Government of Maharashtra. This site was earmarked for undergraduate education and the expansion of college infrastructure, while the Parel campus was retained for postgraduate programmes. Dr. Ajinkya, appointed Project Officer, played a pivotal role in drafting the comprehensive development plan for this new campus with the support of fellow faculty members. When Dr. Ajinkya became Associate Dean in 1979, Dr. P. D. Sardeshpande took over the responsibilities as Project Officer.
This era also witnessed major academic and research expansion. In 1976, independent departments of Food Hygiene and Public Health and Poultry Science were created and elevated to postgraduate level. A groundbreaking ICAR-supported biotechnology project was launched, focusing on the development of techniques to manufacture Heparin and Insulin from buffalo lungs and pancreas, respectively. This interdisciplinary team project led by Dr. (Mrs.) Asha Mantri, Dr. A. K. Gudi, Dr. A. T. Sherikar, and Dr. S. M. Ajinkya earned the Biennial Interdisciplinary Research Award from ICAR—a national recognition for outstanding team-based research.
Dr. Ajinkya, a visionary with a research-centric mindset, contributed immensely to the college. He established the Radio-Isotope Laboratory, enhancing diagnostic and research capabilities. He also led an ICAR project on Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) in poultry and conducted pioneering research on Adenovirus and immunosuppression, earning the prestigious ICAR title of Professor of Eminence in 1983.
Leadership transitioned briefly to Dr. M. K. Shingatgeri, followed by Dr. D. S. Jadhav, who took over as Associate Dean in 1983. Under Dr. Jadhav's guidance, the modern polyclinic at the Aarey campus began operations in 1984. Research schemes in fodder production, toxicology, and sperm morphology were initiated. Additionally, construction of key infrastructure, including clinical departments, student hostels, and lecture halls, was completed, further strengthening the college’s facilities.
A landmark achievement in the history of Bombay Veterinary College was its Centenary Celebration, marking 100 years from 1886 to 1986. The festivities commenced on 2nd August 1985 and the event was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including Hon. Giani Zail Singh (then President of India), Shri Shankarraoji Chavan (then Union Minister of Defense), Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (then Governor of Maharashtra), and Hon. Shri Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar (then Chief Minister of Maharashtra).
As part of the centenary celebrations, a National Seminar on Animal Nutrition was organized in September 1985, followed by the prestigious First Asian Congress on Animal Reproduction in December 1986. This international event, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Society for the Study of Animal Reproduction, was inaugurated by the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri K. Prabhakara Rao, and attracted over 300 scientists from across the globe. A total of 165 research papers were presented, underscoring BVC’s academic leadership and its growing stature in the global veterinary scientific community.
This era firmly established Bombay Veterinary College as a center of excellence, characterized by significant physical expansion, pioneering academic innovations, and impactful research collaborations. The institution not only enhanced its infrastructure and educational facilities but also strengthened its national and international presence through cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to advancing veterinary science and public service.
The undergraduate degree programme of Mumbai Veterinary College was gradually shifted from the Parel to the Goregaon campus in a phased manner, and today the entire UG curriculum is conducted at Goregaon. Alongside this transition, significant infrastructural development was undertaken, with various departments established to support undergraduate education. A modern Instructional Livestock Farm Complex (ILFC) was also developed, comprising dedicated units for farm animals, poultry, and fodder production. These facilities serve not only for hands-on student training but also as a platform for farmer training programmes, offering rural communities valuable opportunities to build entrepreneurial skills. The progressive development of the Goregaon campus was made possible through the support of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Government of Maharashtra, and MAFSU, Nagpur. Continued efforts are being made to further enhance the campus and elevate veterinary education to international standards.
In 2000, the Government of Maharashtra established the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) with its headquarters at Nagpur, transferring Bombay Veterinary College under its jurisdiction, where she continues to thrive. A significant milestone in 2010 saw the construction of a New Faculty Building in the Lazaretto compound, facilitating the expansion of academic and professional activities. In 2018, the institution was officially renamed as Mumbai Veterinary College.
The curriculum follows VCI and ICAR guidelines for UG, PG (Masters and Doctoral) programmes. A laboratory animal facility supports research at Parel. With a current intake of 100 students (plus 15% VCI quota) in the B.V.Sc. & A.H. programme, over 400 undergraduates and 80 postgraduates are currently enrolled.
The college boasts state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratories, research and clinical facilities. The Veterinary Clinical Complex at Parel is housed within the historic Bai Sakarabai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals (BSPCA), a renowned public-private partnership offering care to over 300 in-patient animals and equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical units, including ICUs, Radiology, Sonography, and Cardiovascular wards. The Parel campus also houses several specialized clinical centers, such as a Cardiovascular Unit equipped with 2-D Echo and ECG, a Blood Bank, Coagulopathy Laboratory, Nuclear Medicine Centre, Renal Dialysis Unit, as well as USG, Endoscopy, and Laparoscopy facilities. In addition, an Animal Birth Control programme operates as part of its outreach and population management efforts. These advanced facilities support robust postgraduate teaching and clinical training, preparing students with the practical expertise required for specialized veterinary practice and research.
The Goregaon campus serves as a center for undergraduate education and practical training in animal husbandry. The campus is equipped with a well-developed Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), offering advanced clinical facilities for student training. It houses a 30-acre Livestock Farm Complex that includes cattle, buffalo, goat, layer, and broiler units, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in livestock management while also supporting farmer outreach programmes. The College Farm is also dedicated to promoting ‘Green Livestock Management’ practices, with ongoing research into cost-effective housing systems and focusing on silage inoculants suitable for tropical climates.
Mumbai Veterinary College has made notable contributions to innovation and industry collaboration. Two patents have been awarded to the institution—one for the development of a rapid and effective ELISA kit for the diagnosis of hydatidosis, and another for a Retail Chicken Slaughter Unit, designed to promote hygienic meat production and has more in the pipeline. Most of the college departments have completed research projects/schemes financed by various agencies like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Science and Technology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Maharashtra Livestock Development Board, World Bank, and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. The College has also secured numerous sponsored research projects from leading international companies, including Bayer Animal Health (Germany), Evialis (France), Provimi (Belgium), Elanco (USA), and Novus International (USA). In addition to its research initiatives, the College serves as a troubleshooting agency for challenges in the animal health and production sectors, offering expert solutions and technical support to stakeholders across the industry.
Mumbai Veterinary College played a pivotal role in aiding the management of the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) outbreak in Maharashtra by coordinating with district Animal Husbandry Officers and deploying expert teams, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, to affected districts such as Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Nashik, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule, Ratnagiri, Palghar, Thane, Raigad, and Sindhudurg.
These teams were actively involved in treatment, laboratory diagnosis, and vaccination efforts, while also counseling animal owners and farmers on the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) LSD treatment protocols, as well as the care, management, and control of infected animals. In addition to disease management, the College provides expert consultation services to a range of stakeholders, including zoos, national parks, dairy farms, farmers, private companies, field veterinarians, and pet owners. The institution also regularly organizes gelding and animal health camps at locations such as Matheran, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Silvassa, further extending its veterinary outreach and public service mission.
The College hosts multiple departments excelling in veterinary education, research, and diagnostics. Veterinary Anatomy & Histology is renowned for anatomical museums and wildlife taxidermy. Animal Genetics & Breeding operates a Genetic Investigation Laboratory for hereditary disorder screening. Veterinary Physiology offers innovative diagnostic and research services and leads in fertility markers, milk biomarkers, and stem cell research. Veterinary Pathology offers blood, urine, cytology, histopathology, and post-mortem diagnostics. Veterinary Parasitology provides advanced parasitic disease investigations and discoveries. Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology conducts toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies and clinical drug trials. Veterinary Biochemistry supports research in thyroid function, metabolic profiling, and stress biomarkers across various livestock and companion animals and houses the central instrumentation cell. Animal Nutrition has researched region-specific agro-industrial byproducts and unconventional feeds, enhancing livestock and poultry nutrition through practical, need-based solutions. Veterinary Public Health is internationally recognized for meat safety, hosting India’s first NABL-accredited veterinary food safety lab and serving as a key referral center for food quality standards. Livestock Production Management focuses on buffalo conservation and production research. Poultry Science advances poultry health and product quality through extramural research on feed additives and supplements. Livestock Products Technology innovates in meat and milk preservation and delivers training for farmers and entrepreneurs. Veterinary Microbiology excels in viral diagnostics, especially rabies, disease surveillance, and comprehensive bacteriological and serological testing. Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Extension studies farming practices with a focus on women and tribal communities. Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence offers advanced diagnostics and therapies, including blood transfusion, cardiac care, endocrine management, and runs specialized labs while supporting BSPCA animal hospital and regional referrals. Surgery and Radiology provide extensive clinical services, hands-on surgical training, and advanced procedures including endoscopy and laparoscopy. Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics deliver comprehensive fertility and reproductive disorder management consultations across domestic and wild animals.
Since its inception, Mumbai Veterinary College (formerly Bombay Veterinary College) has graduated over 7,000 veterinarians who have significantly contributed to veterinary education, research, and extension services both in India and abroad. Alumni hold key positions in state and union administrative services, the animal husbandry department, private sectors like dairy, poultry, pharmaceuticals, and academia worldwide. In September 2021, the college earned an 'A' grade with 1320/1500 in the VCI inspection, reaffirming its academic and infrastructural excellence.
As the Mumbai Veterinary College proudly approaches her sesquicentennial milestone, she stands not merely as an institution of learning, but as a living monument to the spirit of scientific pursuit, enduring perseverance, and visionary leadership that has shaped the course of veterinary science in India and beyond.
Founded during a time when structured veterinary education was virtually unknown in Asia, Bombay Veterinary College began with a humble vision—a vision born out of necessity, nurtured through dedication, and realized through the tireless efforts of its pioneers. The early journey was far from easy; the institution had to navigate through a landscape often marked by indifference, limited resources, and societal hesitation. Yet, with steadfast resolve and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Bombay Veterinary College laid the cornerstone of veterinary science on the subcontinent.
From these modest beginnings, the College grew to become a beacon of scientific learning, producing generations of highly skilled veterinary professionals who went on to serve across the length and breadth of British India and later, an independent nation. Over the decades, the College has not only adapted to the changing contours of veterinary science but has been at the forefront of innovation, research, and specialization. The seeds once planted have flourished into a robust tree of knowledge, with countless branches representing diverse fields within the livestock and animal health sectors. This evolution has empowered the veterinary profession to contribute meaningfully to national progress—supporting agriculture, ensuring food security, advancing animal welfare, and strengthening rural economies.
Today, as we look back on more than a thirteen decades of remarkable achievements, we do so with immense pride and gratitude. The legacy of the College is not only etched in her historic buildings or academic milestones but also in the lives touched, the professionals shaped, and the scientific ethos she continues to uphold. Let this serve as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to uphold the values, vision, and excellence that define this great institution. As the Mumbai Veterinary College steps boldly into the future, she carries with her not only the wisdom of the past but the promise of even greater contributions to the world of veterinary science.
Long live the spirit of the Mumbai Veterinary College – a true pioneer, a guiding light, and a national treasure.