Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics
Dr. Muhammad Moaeen-ud-Din
Message of the Chairman
Welcome to the Animal Breeding & Genetics Department at PMAS-Arid Agriculure University, Rawalpindi!
The Animal Breeding & Genetics Department invites you to get to know our outstanding faculty and staff and current students to become familiar with our diverse programs in the animal breeding & genetics. Our departmental programs integrate science, practice, and innovation to serve the immediate needs of animal industries. Moreover, our faculty direct programs that provide new knowledge and information to confront the challenges in the future.
Our commitment is to educate and prepare students for productive and gratifying careers in animal breeding & genetics, veterinary medicine and the diverse areas of animal breeding business and industry. Our faculty, whom are internationally recognized, with expertise in breeding, genetics & genomics, lead instruction, research and outreach programs for farmers and industry. These programs and disciplinary focus areas include dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry, sheep, goat, camel, donkey, horses, companion animals, laboratory animals and zoo animals.
Graduates of our program are knowledgeable about sustainable animal breeding practices that also ensure animal production, genetic control of diseases and well-being and stewardship of natural resources. Our graduates play key roles in meeting the employment opportunities and needs in all areas of animal science.
Our goal is to enrich the lives of humans through animals. If your goal is to work with animals and have a fulfilling career, we can help you achieve your goal.
About Department
The mission of the Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics is to educate and develop students with life skills and knowledge and to engage and serve the public and the people who produce animals and animal products.
We will achieve our mission through discovery, development, and dissemination of knowledge related to animal breeding & genetics in genomics era in order to promote economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sustainable systems of breeding and genetic improvement for local livestock species.
We will enhance human well-being through nutritious, desirable, and safe improved animal production through application of breeding and genomics sciences.
- Basic knowledge of genetics
- Professionally trained individuals in animal genetics and animal biology
- Assistance for producers and agribusinesses for breeding of livestock for sustainable genetic improvement
- Information to support the contributions of animals to society
- Knowledge of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, and
- Technology to produce desirable, safe, and nutritious animal-derived foods
We will achieve this vision through interactive learning, superior scholarship, and client-focused engagement with students, agricultural professionals and consumers.
Department of Animal Breeding &Genetics was a section of Department of Livestock Production & Management since the inception of Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences in 2006 till June 30, 2018 when syndicate approved the establishment of Department in its 80 th meeting. Earlier the foundation of Department was laid when on December 17, 2015; Laboratories of Animal Breeding & Genetics were inaugurated that included Molecular Genetics Lab and Functional Genomics Lab. Dr. Muhammad Moaeen-ud-Din was appointed as founding Chairman on September 2018.
- Post-graduate degree program other than Animal Breeding and Genetics related to livestock genomics i.e. Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics in coordination with National Center for Livestock Breeding, Genetics & Genomics (NCLBG&G)
- Devising breeding objectives for different livestock species in coordination with NCLBG&G, L&DD and industry/breeders
- Implementation of genomic selection program for Sahiwal cattle in coordination with NCLBG&G, L&DD and industry/breeders
- Establishment of state herd for Sahiwal cattle at KRF Koont
- MoUs with international livestock genetics institutes
- Establishing DRF recording system for Sahiwal cattle recording
Faculty Members
Degree Programs
Research
Awards
S# | Name | Title | Year | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Muhammad Moaeen-ud-Din | Research Productivity award | 2013 | Pakistan Council for Science & Technology, Islamabad |
| 2 | Dr. Muhammad Moaeen-ud-Din | Research Productivity award | 2014 | Pakistan Council for Science & Technology, Islamabad |
| 3 | Dr. Ghulam Bial | Research Productivity award | 2015 | Pakistan Council for Science & Technology, Islamabad |
Laboratories of Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics
- Molecular Genetics Lab
- Functional Genomics Lab
- Cytogenetic Lab
- Computational Genetics & Genomics Lab
Research Facilities in Laboratories
The laboratories are equipped with following modern facilities:
S# | Equipment | Nos. |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PCR Machine | 2 |
| 2 | Real Time PCR Machine | 1 |
| 3 | Gel Documentation System | 1 |
| 4 | Gel Electrophoresis | 2 |
| 5 | Power supply | 2 |
| 6 | Ultra low temperature freezer (-86 0C) | 1 |
| 7 | High speed centrifuge machine | 1 |
| 8 | Refrigerated centrifuge machine | 1 |
| 9 | Freezer (-20 0C) | 1 |
| 10 | Refrigerator | 2 |
| 11 | Ice Machine | 1 |
| 12 | Laminar flow hood | 1 |
| 13 | Laminar flow hood (local) | 1 |
| 14 | Water bath | 2 |
| 15 | Pipettes | 3 Sets |
| 16 | Nanodrop | 1 |
| 17 | Water Distillation apparatus | 1 |
| 18 | Autoclave (Manual/Local) | 1 |
| 19 | 37 0C Incubator | 1 |
| 20 | BoD Incubator with accessories | 1 |
| 21 | Microscopes | 20 |
| 22 | Dryer | 1 |
| 23 | Analytical weighing balance | 2 |
| 24 | Microwave oven | 2 |
| 25 | Shacking incubator | 1 |
| 26 | Vortex | 2 |
| 27 | Nano centrifuge | 1 |
| 28 | Centrifuge | 1 |
These Labs are not only open for researchers & students of various disciplines of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University but also for all institutes across the nation. Moreover, there is one computation and informatics laboratory that is equipped with 50 modern computers facility for processing large volume of data.
Projects
DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS SUBMITTED
S# | Project Title | Funding agency | Total Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PC-1 Establishment of National Center for Livestock Breeding Genetics & Genomics | HEC | Rs. 799.192 Mill. |
| Total | Rs. 799.192 Mill. | ||
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Submitted/Under Review
S# | Project Title | Funding agency | Total Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collaborative Research for Genetic Improvement Balochi Sheep of Balochistan | HEC | Rs. 7.44 Mill. |
| 2 | Collaborative research to initiate efficient and sustainable beef cattle production through genetics and genomics in Pakistan | HEC | Rs. 15.71 Mill. |
| 3 | A study of longevity and reasons of culling in dairy animals of Pakistan | HEC | Rs. 2.13 Mill. |
| Total | Rs. 23.150 Mill. | ||
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Ongoing/Pipeline
S# | Project Title | Funding agency | Total Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Development of breed identification marker for Pakistani dairy cattle breeds | NSLP-PSF | Rs. 4.42 Mill. |
| 2 | Collaborative Research for Genetic Conservation and Improvement of Pakistani Goats | USAID | Rs. 59.02 Mill.. |
| 3 | Development of genetic evaluation model for Dhanni cattle as potential beef cattle in Potohar region of Punjab | NSLP-PSF | Rs. 3.19 Mill. |
| 4 | Development of breeding objective for desirable milk protein quality of dairy animals | HEC | Rs. 3.544 Mill. |
| Total | Rs. 70.174 Mill. | ||
Research associates & students trained
S# | Name of Research Associate |
|---|---|
| 1 | Asim Ijaz |
| 2 | Muhammad Aqeel |
| 3 | Naveed Ullah |
| 4 | Nasir Mahmood |
| 5 | Sahrish Sadiq |
| 6 | Amna Razaq |
| 7 | Muhammad Daud |
| 8 | Mehwish Malik |
| 9 | Muhammad Waseem |
| 10 | Abdullah Iqbal |
| 11 | Muhammad Abdullah |
| 12 | Adnan Ali |
| 13 | Muhammad Saad Khilji |
| 14 | Sobia Rehman |
| 15 | Amir Hussain Shah |
| 16 | Ali Zarghaman |
| 17 | Tariq Azam |
| 18 | MalihaAfreen |
| 19 | Muhammad Asim |
| 20 | Rukhsana Yousuf |
| 21 | Ahsan Farid |
| 22 | Tahira Mukhtar |
| 23 | Sumaira Jabeen |
| 24 | Ume Habiba |
| 25 | Nauman Wahid |
| 26 | Iqtidar Ali |
| 27 | Raja Danish Muner |
| 28 | Andelib Qayyum Muner |
| 29 | Rana Faisal Naeem |
Current Students
S# | Name | Thesis Title | Degree | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rana Danish Muner | Emancipating phenotypic and genotypic variations among Punjab goat breeds using SNP chip. | PhD ABG | Since 2016 |
Students graduated/visited
S# | Name | Thesis Title | Degree | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sumaira Jabeen | Evolution of HPA genes, promoters and their expression profile | M.Phil. Biotechnology | 2017 |
| 2 | Ume Habiba | Evolution of MRGX2 genes among species | M.Phil. Biotechnology | 2017 |
| 3 | Nauman Wahid | Factors Affecting Racing Bull Production in Punjab | M. Phil. ABG | 2019 |
| 4 | Iqtidar Ali | Factors Affecting Beef Production Traits in Dhanni | M. Phil. ABG | 2019 |
| 5 | Dr. Hafiz M Waheed | Development of Genetics Markers Panel to predict growth potential in Beetal Goats | PhD ABG | 2020 |
Lab facilities used by UAAR
S# | Department/Institute | Referred by | Student name | Facility used | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zoology & Biology | Dr.Ruqia Mehmmod | Ihsan Ullah Neelam Khan | PCR, PAGE | 29-Jul-15 |
| 2 | Plant Breeding &Genetics | Dr.Rashid Mehmood | Amber Maso | Nano drop | 29-Nov-16 |
| 3 | Horticulture | Prof. Dr .Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi | Muhammad Riaz Khan | Nano drop | 29-Nov-17 |
| 4 | Biochemistry | Dr.Tayyaba Zainab | Neeha Ghafoor | Nano drop | 29-Nov-17 |
| 5 | Horticulture | Prof. Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad | M.Faisal Khan | Nano drop | 11-May-18 |
| 6 | Plant Breeding &Genetics | Dr. Zahid Akram | Atta Ullah | Nano drop | 8-Aug-18 |
| 7 | Zoology & Biology | Dr.Ruqia Mehmmod | Rashda | Nano drop | 8-Aug-18 |
| 8 | Biotechnology | Prof. Dr. Saqlain Naqvi | Neeha Ghafoor | Nano drop | 20-Jun-18 |
| 9 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Prof. Dr. Kousar Nawaz Shah | Rana Arslan | Nano drop | 1-Oct-18 |
| 10 | Biochemistry | Dr. Tayyaba Zainab | Sana Aslam | Nano drop | 3-Oct-18 |
| 11 | Bio Chemistry | Dr. Sadia Saeed | Fizza Haseeb | Nano drop &qPCR machine | 03-10-2018 |
| 12 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Rana Arsalan Javaid | Nano drop | 03-10-2018 | |
| 13 | Dep of Horiculture | Prof. Dr. Nadeem Akhtar | Qudsia Saeed | Gel Dock | 05-10-2018 |
| 14 |
| Dr. Pakeeza Arzoo Shaiq | Atia Fazal | Nano drop &qPCR machine | 22-10-2018 |
| 15 | Bio Chemistry | Dr. Tayyaba Zainab | Yamna Ijaz | Nano drop | 31-10-2018 |
| 16 | Dep of Zoology | Dr. Sadia Saeed | Dr. Ruqia Mehmood Baig | Nano drop Spectrophotometer | 08-11-2018 |
| 17 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Kashif Ahmed | Nano drop | 08-01-2019 | |
| 18 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Prof. Dr. Kausar N. Shah | Sameena Naqi | Nano drop | 21-01-2019 |
| 19 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Munir Ahmad | Muhammad Kashif Aziz | Nano drop Spectrophotometer | 22-04-2019 |
| 20 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Munir Ahmad | Shujaat Hussain | Nano drop Spectrophotometer | 03-05-2019 |
| 20 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Mahmoodul Hassan | Tazien Bukhari | Gel Documentation System | 26-09-2019 |
| 21 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Munir Ahmad | Kashif Ahmed | Nano drop | 26-09-2019 |
| 21 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Munir Ahmad | Jantaj | Nano dropper | 30-09-2019 |
| 22 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Munir Ahmad | Sanober Gul | Gel Electrophoresis & Gel Documentation System | 22-02-2019 |
| 23 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Mahmoodul Hassan | Qandeela Nigar | Nano drop Spectrophotometer | 03-12-2019 |
| 24 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Mahmoodul Hassan | Ayesha Shams | Nano drop | 01-09-2020 |
| 25 | Plant Breeding & Genetics | Dr. Mahmoodul Hassan | Ahmed Altaf | Nano drop | 21-08-2020 |
News & Events
Local Biologists Enthusiasts Successfully Complete Intensive R Programming and Genomic Data Analyses Training Courses at Arid Agriculture University
A group of aspiring biology scientists have successfully completed intensive R programming and Genomic data analyses training courses, making a significant milestone in their journey of data analysis. The courses, organized by Scientia Sphere in collaboration with Arid Agriculture University, spanned two weeks and covered essential topics such as data manipulation, statistical analysis, data visualization, and genomic analyses by using R.
The training program, led by Dr. M. Moaeen-ud-Din, provided hands-on experience with real-world datasets, enabling participants to apply their recently developed skills to practical scenarios. Participants also worked on capstone projects, showcasing their ability to solve complex data problems by using R program. “We are thrilled to see the dedication and progress of our participants,” said Dr. M. Moaeen-ud-Din, lead trainer of the courses. “R is a powerful tool for data analysis, and mastering it opens up countless opportunities in the field of data science. This group has shown exceptional commitment, and we are confident they will excel in their careers.”
Prof. Dr. Arfan Yousaf – chief guest of closing ceremony said that “The demand for R programming skills continues to grow across industries, from healthcare and finance to marketing and academia. This training course has equipped participants with the tools they need to thrive in a data-driven world.”
The successful completion of the courses was celebrated with a physical ceremony, where participants received certificates of achievement. Many attendees expressed their gratitude for the comprehensive curriculum and the supportive learning environment.
“I came into this course with minimal programming experience, but now I feel confident using R for data analysis,” said Kainat Abbasi, one of the graduates. “The course was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to apply these skills in my work”, Dr. Ruqia said.
For more information about upcoming R programming courses or to enroll, visit https://scientiasphere.net/ or contact +92-315-4787-866.
About Scientia Sphere: Scientia Sphere is a leading training provider of data science, cell culture and molecular biology trainings, offering courses designed to empower individuals and organizations with cutting-edge skills.
Visit of Dr. Muhammad Moaeen-ud-Din to Canada
Dr. Muhammad Moaeen-ud-Din visited Vancouver Canada in July 2018 to attend annual Animal Science Conference and Trade Show 2018. He presented several talks over there in local goat population. He highlighted the importance of goat in economy of poor and landless farmers in Pakistan during his oral talks. He also visited dairy goat and dairy cow farms during his visit to Canada and found that our local goat have capability to produce as much milk as western dairy goat can, particular DDP breed of South Punjab if it is reared at scientific level in Pakistan. It could be a substantial source of cheese that has many medicinal effects especially against allergies.
Another important objective of the visit was to develop collaboration with international community, particularly in Canada. During his visit, he met many scientists and explored the opportunity to have collaborative research that would be beneficial for Pakistan. Scientist i.e. Filipo and Evelline show their interest to become the part of NCLBG&G. The visit was funded by HEC travel grant.
Photo Gallery
Local Biologists Enthusiasts Successfully Complete Intensive R Programming and Genomic Data Analyses Training Courses at Arid Agriculture University
A group of aspiring biology scientists have successfully completed intensive R programming and Genomic data analyses training courses, making a significant milestone in their journey of data analysis. The courses, organized by Scientia Sphere in collaboration with Arid Agriculture University, spanned two weeks and covered essential topics such as data manipulation, statistical analysis, data visualization, and genomic analyses by using R.
The training program, led by Dr. M. Moaeen-ud-Din, provided hands-on experience with real-world datasets, enabling participants to apply their recently developed skills to practical scenarios. Participants also worked on capstone projects, showcasing their ability to solve complex data problems by using R program. “We are thrilled to see the dedication and progress of our participants,” said Dr. M. Moaeen-ud-Din, lead trainer of the courses. “R is a powerful tool for data analysis, and mastering it opens up countless opportunities in the field of data science. This group has shown exceptional commitment, and we are confident they will excel in their careers.”
Prof. Dr. Arfan Yousaf – chief guest of closing ceremony said that “The demand for R programming skills continues to grow across industries, from healthcare and finance to marketing and academia. This training course has equipped participants with the tools they need to thrive in a data-driven world.”
The successful completion of the courses was celebrated with a physical ceremony, where participants received certificates of achievement. Many attendees expressed their gratitude for the comprehensive curriculum and the supportive learning environment.
“I came into this course with minimal programming experience, but now I feel confident using R for data analysis,” said Kainat Abbasi, one of the graduates. “The course was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to apply these skills in my work”, Dr. Ruqia said.
For more information about upcoming R programming courses or to enroll, visit https://scientiasphere.net/ or contact +92-315-4787-866.
About Scientia Sphere: Scientia Sphere is a leading training provider of data science, cell culture and molecular biology trainings, offering courses designed to empower individuals and organizations with cutting-edge skills.
Visit of Dr. Muhammad Moaeen-ud-Din to Canada
Dr. Muhammad Moaeen-ud-Din visited Vancouver Canada in July 2018 to attend annual Animal Science Conference and Trade Show 2018. He presented several talks over there in local goat population. He highlighted the importance of goat in economy of poor and landless farmers in Pakistan during his oral talks. He also visited dairy goat and dairy cow farms during his visit to Canada and found that our local goat have capability to produce as much milk as western dairy goat can, particular DDP breed of South Punjab if it is reared at scientific level in Pakistan. It could be a substantial source of cheese that has many medicinal effects especially against allergies.
Another important objective of the visit was to develop collaboration with international community, particularly in Canada. During his visit, he met many scientists and explored the opportunity to have collaborative research that would be beneficial for Pakistan. Scientist i.e. Filipo and Evelline show their interest to become the part of NCLBG&G. The visit was funded by HEC travel grant.
Collaborators
National & International Collaborators
S# | Resource person | Institute | Type of collaboration |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | |||
| 1 | Prof. James M Reecy | Iowa State University, USA | Research in PAK-USAID project |
| 2 | Dr. G Tosser-Klop | INRA, France | Research in PAK-USAID project |
| 3 | Prof. Y Liguo | HAU, China | Research |
| 4 | Dr. Bewin Haris | Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), New Zealand | Research |
| National | |||
| 1 | Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sajjad Khan | University of Agriculture, Faisalabad | NCLBG&G team |
| 2 | Prof. Dr. Sohail Ahmed | University of Agriculture, Peshawar | NCLBG&G team |
| 3 | Dr. Ahmed Nawaz Khosa | Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Lasbela, | NCLBG&G team |
| 4 | Dr. Zulfiqar Hussan Kuthu | The University of Poonch, Rawalakot, | NCLBG&G team |
| 5 | Prof. Dr. Pershotam Khatri | Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam | NCLBG&G team |
| 6 | Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary | Genome Research Center, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry | NCLBG&G team |
| 7 | CEO PLDDB | Punjab Livestock Dairy Development Board | Research |
| 8 | DGP | Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Punjab | Research |
| 9 | President SCBS | SahiwalCattle Breeder Society | Research |
