Healing the speechless
The science that deals with the diagnosing, treating and curing of the various types of diseases in birds and animals is known as Veterinary Science. It is very much similar to human science and medicine. It concern mainly about the study of animal physiology, treatment and prevention of diseases among animals. It involves not only taking care of animal health but also includes scientific breeding and handling of livestock.
The job of the veterinary doctor is much more challenging than a doctor that deals with the humans. They not only treat but also perform surgery, prevent spreading of diseases in animals by administering timely vaccination and medicines and give advice on care of pets and farm animals. Their activities may also include Animal husbandry- animal breed improvement by ‘selection breeding’ and artificial insemination, animal research in order to control spread of diseases transmitted through animals; thus protecting the public from exposure to diseases carried by animals, wildlife conservation, poultry management and health care, livestock insurance and rural development. Broadly a veterinary doctor has a most important role in the conservation of livestock and domestic animal wealth.
The kind in treatment varies according to different animals. The vets must be familiar with the many breeds of pets or livestock and the characteristics of each so that they can recommend diet exercise regiments and treatment, specific to the breed
With many people keeping pets at home the need for veterinary doctors are on the rise. The demand for private veterinary clinics is on the rise in metropolitan cities. Veterinary doctors have to look after the animals in the Zoo, laboratory, sporting animals or animals with the government’s animal husbandry departments.
Eligibility:
To practice as a veterinarian it is essential to have a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.). To be eligible for the Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) course, a candidate should have passed the class 12 examination with science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Admission to most veterinary colleges is on the basis of results obtained in the entrance examination conducted by the concerned universities. Veterinary Council of India conducts an ‘All India Common Entrance examination’ (AICEE) for admission to first year Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) & Animal Husbandry (AH) degree course. For admission to masters degree programme, an All India Entrance Examination is conducted by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Job Prospect:
Veterinary science offers a large number of avenues of work and the demand for Veterinary doctors has increased tremendously. Veterinarians can choose to work with the government animal husbandry departments, poultry farms, dairy farms, sheep and rabbit farms, race clubs, stud farms, private and government veterinary hospitals and clinics. Wildlife sanctuaries and zoological parks as well as aviaries need veterinarians. The Army and the Border Security Forces also employ veterinarians for the care and treatment of their mounted regiments which have horses, mules, camels and dogs. Private practice is another option they can consider. Teaching is another option as experienced professionals are recruited in various institutions to train the new entrants to the field. Vets can also take up research work, either on their own or in association with the government such as ICAR (Indian council for Agricultural Research). They can also work in technical sales, agribusiness, and marketing, pet food manufacturing industries and in management of industries dealing with animal feed, animal products, milk and meat products processing industries etc.
Remuneration:
The amount of remuneration of a veterinarian depends upon the kind of practice and the animals that are treated. An average vet can earn between Rs.5, 000 to Rs.50, 000 per month. A private practitioner may get lucrative monetary returns depending on his popularity and the number of years of experience. He may be able to earn Rs. 40 – Rs. 500 per patient, depending on the type of medical treatment the animal needs. As an Assistant Professor, a vet can earn a salary over Rs 4,000. The government also has job openings in this field, as livestock development officers, and the pay is Rs. 8,000 depending on position and experience.
Institutes:
Number of institutes offers this course.
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