Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Pookode in Wayanad, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ICAR–National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bengaluru, to strengthen collaborative and postgraduate research in animal nutrition, physiology and allied areas. The partnership is expected to provide researchers and postgraduate students access to advanced scientific expertise and research infrastructure, while promoting research aimed at addressing practical challenges faced by the livestock farming community.
In a statement issued on Friday (September 18), KVASU officials said that under the MoU, postgraduate and doctoral students of KVASU would be able to undertake approved research projects at NIANP with the involvement of NIANP scientists as guides or co-guides, as applicable. Students undertaking such collaborative research will also have access, subject to the provisions of the MoU, to NIANP’s existing laboratory and library facilities free of cost for their approved project work.
Officials said a major advantage of the collaboration was access to NIANP’s specialised research facilities covering areas including molecular biology, reproduction, micronutrients and macronutrients, bioenergetics, rumen microbiology, toxicology, bio-fermentation, climatology, and general analytical research. The institute also has experimental livestock and fodder production units and advanced information and research support facilities.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen the capacity of KVASU researchers to investigate location-specific livestock production problems through multidisciplinary research. The two institutions can jointly formulate research projects of mutual interest and seek funding from external agencies, enabling larger and more focused research programmes.
The partnership assumes particular significance for livestock farmers as it creates a stronger institutional framework for research, addressing field-level challenges. Research generated through the collaboration can contribute scientific evidence relevant to improving feeding and nutrition strategies, efficient utilisation of feed and fodder resources, livestock productivity and the physiological adaptation of animals to production environments. Such research can subsequently support the development and field validation of practical technologies and recommendations for farmers, said Sabin George, Registrar, KVASU.
KVASU will recognise NIANP as an institution for conducting research related to MVSc and PhD thesis requirements and may recognise eligible NIANP scientists as postgraduate teachers, guides and advisory committee members in accordance with University regulations. KVASU will similarly make its laboratory, library and field facilities available free of cost for approved cooperative research involving NIANP students and staff.
Published – September 18, 2026 07:22 pm IST
