Veterinary Science : Introduction
Veterinary Science is the science of diagnosing, treating and curing
the diverse types of diseases in birds and animals. The subject broadly
covers the study of animal physiology, treatment and prevention of diseases
among animals. The basic principles of this specialized branch of study
are quite similar to that of human medical sciences. But the job
profile of a veterinary doctor or a vet is much more than that of a general
physician or a surgeon. It involves not only taking care of animal health
but also includes scientific breeding and handling of livestock.
Besides giving treatment, Vets 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 major role in
the conservation of livestock and domestic animal wealth.
Veterinary doctors deal with the treatment, care and handling of domestic
pets, livestock, animals in the zoo, laboratory, sporting animals or animals
with the government's animal husbandry departments. They take up practice
exclusively of either large animals such as cattle including horses, pigs,
sheep; poultry etc or small animals mainly household pets including
dogs, cats, birds etc. or both. The approach in treatment vary 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 diets, exercise regiments and treatment, specific to the breed.
The scope for veterinarians in the future is bright. As keeping pets
is becoming a fad now, the demand for private veterinary clinics is on
the rise in metropolitan cities. And similarly, there has been an unprecedented
growth in the poultry sector and animal products’ technology sector, resulting
in an increased demand for veterinarians in different sectors of livestock
and poultry.
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