Animal Sciences Division – Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad
The Animal Sciences Division (ASD) was established in 1980 under the umbrella of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC Islamabad). The division’s primary aim is to improve the production potential of food animals. The main task of ASD is to develop, monitor, and evaluate research projects, ultimately providing solutions to issues in the food animal sector. The broader research areas in the livestock, poultry, and fisheries sectors include innovations in, genetics, reproduction, health, nutrition, dairy value addition, biotechnology, and the impact of climate change on animal production systems.
About Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC)
The PARC Islamabad is the premier agricultural research organization dedicated to agricultural development in Pakistan through science-based solutions. Its Board of Governors is the main decision-making body while functions are handled by its Executive Committee comprising the Chairman and Council members. Its mandate is to promote, coordinate, and expedite agricultural research at both the federal and provincial levels. It focuses on establishing research institutions, training scientific personnel, and disseminating agricultural information across the country.
Mission and Objectives of the Animal Sciences Division
The primary goal of the Animal Sciences Division (ASD) is to enhance the production potential of livestock, poultry, and fisheries in Pakistan. It accomplishes this through innovative research projects, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The ASD has several key objectives, including:
- Breed Improvement: To enhance the productivity and quality of livestock through breeding technologies and genetic improvement programs.
- Nutrition and Feeding: To develop and promote cost-effective and nutritionally balanced livestock feed and feeding practices.
- Disease Control: To prevent, control, and manage diseases affecting livestock and poultry, with a focus on vaccine development and epidemiological tools.
- Aquaculture and Inland fisheries: Improvement of productivity in fisheries through breeding, feeding and managemental practices.
- Livestock Extension: To provide training and education to progressive farmers/stakeholders in the livestock/poultry/fisheries sector and disseminate best practices.
- Conservation: To conserve and protect indigenous livestock breeds and genetic resources.
- Environmental Sustainability: To promote environmental friendly sustainable livestock production practices.
- Policy Development: To contribute in formulation process of policies related to livestock/poultry/fisheries sector in Pakistan.
Directorates of Animal Sciences Division (ASD), PARC
Three directors work under the ASD in PARC Islamabad
Directorate of Animal Production
The focus of this directorate is on enhancing animal production in Pakistan. Its key areas of research include animal genetics and reproduction, animal nutrition, farm management, and value addition. It provides research-based solutions for the genetic improvement of livestock and the conservation of local breeds. The directorate also offers advanced solutions in animal reproduction, including laparoscopic artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. Additionally, it focuses on economical, research-based feeding solutions.
Directorate of Animal Health
The focus of this directorate is on improving animal health through the development of comprehensive disease surveillance models, advanced diagnostic tools, and effective vaccines. It places a strong emphasis on controlling major livestock diseases of economic significance, including Avian Influenza (AI), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Brucellosis and other critical diseases. Additionally, the directorate adopts a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It also tackles the growing concern of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by promoting responsible use of antibiotics and advancing research on alternatives to ensure sustainable disease management.
Directorate of Fisheries
This directorate focuses on aquaculture and inland fisheries, providing research-based solutions for fish feeding, breeding, disease control, and pond management. Through innovative research and best practices, the directorate aims to improve the sustainability, productivity, and profitability of the aquaculture sector.
Animal Science Institute of PARC-NARC
The Animal Sciences Institute (ASI) is a prominent research institute of the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), operating under the PARC Islamabad. The institute conducts a wide range of research programs that focus on key areas such as animal health, production, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and value addition. These programs are designed to address the challenges facing the food animal sector, improve animal welfare, and enhance productivity through innovative solutions. The institute also plays a vital role in advancing research that supports sustainable farming practices, ensures food security, and contributes to the overall development of Pakistan’s livestock, poultry, and fisheries sectors.
Click here to Get details of ASI – NARC
Contact Information – Animal Sciences Division (ASD)
For more information about the Animal Sciences Division and its research programs, please contact:
Member Animal Sciences Division
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council,
Sector G 5/1, Islamabad
Tel. 051-90762303
Web. PARC Animal Sciences Division
