The Mumbai Veterinary College Veterinary Physiology department was conceptualised as the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Bombay Veterinary College in 1940, a significant milestone that coincided with the initiation of an advanced diploma course in veterinary sciences. Before the establishment of this dedicated department, the subject of Physiology was taught by medical officers who were deputed by the Government. These officers were responsible for imparting physiological knowledge to the veterinary students, laying the groundwork for future developments in the field.

Initially, the department was quite small, consisting of only a Professor and a Demonstrator. This relatively modest staffing level reflected the early stages of veterinary education in the region. However, the academic landscape changed with the affiliation of Bombay Veterinary College to Bombay University, which paved the way for the introduction of a formal degree program in veterinary sciences.

Following this, the department saw significant growth. It expanded to include one Professor, one Assistant Professor, and two Lecturers, thus increasing its capacity to deliver more comprehensive and structured education. This expansion was in line with the evolving needs of the veterinary profession and the growing recognition of the importance of veterinary physiology and biochemistry in animal health and veterinary medicine.

In 1966, the department achieved another major milestone when it was recognized by Bombay University for offering postgraduate and Ph.D. programs. This recognition marked a key turning point, as the department began to attract more advanced students and began contributing to cutting-edge research in the fields of physiology and biochemistry. Over the years, the department’s affiliation has shifted in tandem with changes in the larger educational and administrative framework of the region. After being part of Bombay University, the college was affiliated to Maharashtra Agricultural University in 1968, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth in 1970, and Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth in 1972. In 2001, the college became affiliated with Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, further expanding its role within the broader veterinary education system.

A key moment in the department’s history came in 2003, when the Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, established a separate Department of Veterinary Physiology and Veterinary Biochemistry, including Clinical Biochemistry, in line with the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) regulations. This move underscored the growing importance of these disciplines in veterinary medicine and the need for specialized training and research in these areas.

The department has sanction academic faculty positions of Professor (one), Associate Professor (two) and Assistant Professors (four), along with administrative and laboratory staff members. The faculty is well versed in innovative instrumentation and the students get hands-on proficiency in Atomic Absorption Spectrometery, Binocular Microscope with Camera, Biochemical Analyser, Blood Gas Analyser, CASA, Coagulometer, Cooling Centrifuge, Electrolyte Analyser, ELISA, Haematology Analyser, Real Time PCR, Somatic Cell Counter, Urine Analyser and UV Spectrophotometery.

The department has a strong track record of success, both in terms of research and recognition of individual contributions! The faculty have successfully completed many research projects funded by national and private agencies. The department has also had two efficacious Emeritus Scientists nominated by the ICAR, New Delhi who have substantially influenced the discipline expertise. While most of the discipline faculty have brought home laurels in the form of awards, honours, fellowships and accolades, Dr. B. A. Kulkarni (retired Professor and Head) has been selected as a ‘Great Mind of 21st Century’ for fifth edition of Great Minds of 21st Century by ABI (American Biographical Institute) for his outstanding contribution in Physiology, Biochemistry & Immunochemistry of Dairy Animals. It's also impressive that the department has produced significant figures in veterinary science, including the first female veterinary graduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. from Bombay Veterinary College who retired from the department as Head of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Veterinary Anatomy and Animal Nutrition.

Presently, the department offers comprehensive training to both undergraduate and graduate students, preparing them for careers in veterinary sciences. For graduate students, it offers specialized academic programs for Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Veterinary Physiology. In addition to its educational programs, the department is also involved in basic and applied research in veterinary and animal sciences, with a particular focus on animal health, disease prevention, and livestock production. Furthermore, the department plays a vital role in technology transfer and offers Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics services, contributing to the practical application of its research and enhancing the overall quality of veterinary care in the region.

The current faculty has a proven history of leading and guiding research in areas such as endocrinology, reproductive physiology, stem cells, cancer, fertility, and mastitis biomarkers. Their research has been consistently presented at national and international conferences and regularly published in reputable journals. A recent highlight is their work being published in the highly esteemed Nature Journal, further underscoring the department's commitment to advancing veterinary science.

Our graduates have made significant strides in the government and corporate sectors, both in India and abroad. They have excelled in various fields, including academics, research, and animal welfare. Many have taken on prominent roles such as educators, professors, deans, researchers, directors, field and pet practitioners, civil servants, and zoo wardens. Among the recent graduates, one is pursuing her doctoral degree in the USA, while another has secured a research fellow position there.