Textbook of Genetics: Principles & Applications is a comprehensive academic resource designed for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students in veterinary, agricultural, and animal sciences. The book systematically presents the fundamental principles of classical and molecular genetics in a clear, accessible, and scientifically rigorous manner. Structured in accordance with the curricula prescribed by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), it covers key topics including Mendelian genetics, chromosome biology, molecular genetics, gene expression, mutations, genetic engineering, microbial genetics, and modern DNA technologies. Richly supported with illustrations, diagrams, experimental examples, and explanatory figures, the text enhances conceptual understanding and practical learning. The volume also includes chapter-wise question banks and model answers to assist students in preparing for university examinations and national competitive examinations such as ICAR-JRF, SRF, ARS, UGC-NET, and CSIR. It serves as a valuable reference for students, educators, researchers, and professionals in genetics and animal breeding sciences.

Dr. Bharat Bhushan, PhD, is a distinguished scientist who was selected for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in 1985 and subsequently joined the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as a Scientist in the discipline of Animal Genetics and Breeding. He completed his postgraduate and doctoral studies in Animal Breeding from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, India. Over a distinguished career spanning more than 38 years, he served as Head and Principal Scientist, Division of Animal Genetics, at the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh — a headship he held for four tenures until August 31, 2024. He also served as Incharge of Livestock Production and Management, overseeing the livestock farms at ICAR-IVRI for approximately three years. His foundational research experience was acquired during more than nine and a half years at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, where he conducted research on goats and rabbits after joining ICAR in 1985.

Dr. Bhushan has made outstanding contributions to research in Animal Genetics, Animal Breeding, Molecular Genetics, and Genomics across diverse livestock species. He has published more than 267 research papers in journals of national and international repute, co-authored 9 lead and review papers, and served as Co-Editor of 26 books, manuals, pamphlets, compendia, and conference proceedings. He has delivered over 150 invited lectures and presented more than 250 research papers at various national and international conferences and symposia. His proficiency spans a broad range of analytical methodologies including animal breeding, genomic characterisation, PCR, RT-PCR, RFLP, and allied molecular biology techniques. He has been a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator in numerous multi-disciplinary and network research projects conducted in collaborative mode with national participatory research institutes.
With more than 29 years of postgraduate teaching at the Masters and PhD levels, Dr. Bhushan has guided more than 100 research scholars for their MVSc and PhD degrees, including 30 as Chairman (16 MVSc and 14 PhD). He has evaluated numerous Masters and PhD theses from institutions and universities across India, and has also examined a PhD thesis submitted to Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia. He completed an advanced international training programme on “Immunogenetics with Special Reference to Genetic Resistance to Diseases” (October 2003–January 2004) at the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, USA. He has also patented a portable large animal restraining device designated “TRAVIPORT” (Design No. 255486, dated July 29, 2013), reflecting his commitment to practical veterinary innovation.

Dr. Bhushan is the recipient of several prestigious national awards, including the Best Teacher Award 2006–07 of ICAR-IVRI, the Best Paper Award for Highest Impact Factor by ICAR-IVRI, the Best Paper Award of ICAR-IVRI for 2019, the P. N. Bhat Best Paper Award at the ISAGB National Conference for 2021, and the Best Student Thesis Award. As Programme Coordinator, he successfully organised an International Training for Afghan Scientists (August 2013–January 2014), sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. As Co-Organising Secretary, he convened a National Conference on Quantitative Genetics for Improvement of Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources (March 2017) under the aegis of the Indian Society of Animal Genetics and Breeding at ICAR-IVRI.

He has held several significant administrative and governance responsibilities, including Chairman, Board of Studies in Animal Genetics and Breeding; Chairman, Ethical Committee, SRM Rajkiya Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Bareilly; Member of the ICAR-National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF), New Delhi; Member of the Institute Management Committees of ICAR-CIRC, Meerut, and ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar, Rajasthan; and Member, Academic Council, ICAR-IVRI. He serves as a Reviewer and/or Editorial Board Member for 20 international peer-reviewed journals, including BMC Genomics, Scientific Reports, Mammalian Genome, Gene, Genomics, Functional & Integrative Genomics, Small Ruminant Research, Tropical Animal Health and Production, Veterinary and Animal Science, Biology, Animals, Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Heliyon, Discover Animals, Next Research, and others.
Since retirement, Dr. Bhushan has continued his engagement with the scientific community in multiple capacities. He serves as Strategic Advisor — Veterinary & Animal Sciences and Honorary Board Member at Aspire Tech Park, Kerala. He served as Subject Expert for curriculum development of the new “Livestock Assistant” course at NSQF Level 3.5 at the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), Noida (November 2025). He delivered an invited talk on “Practical Animal Breeding for Field Veterinarians — From Mating Plan to Calf Outcome” at CLIRNET, Kolkata (November 27, 2025), and served as External Expert at the Doctoral Research and Development Committee Meeting at GLA University, Mathura for evaluation of PhD scholars’ research work. He has also conducted practical examinations for BVSc and AH students at MJF College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. Dr. Bhushan has also served as Former Professor & Head (AGB), MJF College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Chomu, Jaipur (Rajasthan). Current Dr. Bhushan is serving as Professor (Animal Breeding) School of Veterinary, in Abhilashi University, Chailchowk, Tehsil Chachyot, Distt. Mandi (HP).

Dr. Biswanath Patra, currently, Professor and Head in the department of Animal Genetics & Breeding at MB Veterinary College, Dungarpur, Rajasthan. He has also worked as Associate Professor and Head in Animal Genetics & Breeding at RPS Veterinary College, Mahendragarh, Haryana, affiliated with LUVAS, Hissar. He has more than twelve years of working experience with various aspects in Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology, Immunogenetics, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics in USA with several high impact NCBI publications including nature group journal. He has also extensive teaching experiences in Animal Genetics & Breeding and Biostatistics. He did Master’s in Genetics and Animal Breeding from GBPUA&T, Pantnagar and a Ph.D. with major in Animal Breeding, minors in Biostatics and Animal Biotechnology from Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).

He did Postdoctoral Research in several world famous institutes including UT South-western Medical Centre at Dallas, the home of seven noble laureates till date. He learned genome Bioinformatics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. He has given several awards wining oral and poster presentations from his research works in national and international symposiums. For several years he has presented his research works at highly reputed Experimental Biology meetings in USA. He has published work in world famous journals like Clinical Cancer Research, Scientific Reports (Nature group), PloS One, Frontiers in Physiology, Frontiers in Microbiology, Veterinary Microbiology, Endocrinology, Animal Biotechnology, Parkinsonism & Related Disorder etc. He is also reviewer in famous Pubmed Journals like PloS One, Frontiers in Microbiology, Mammalian Genome, Fish Physiology and Biochemistry (FISH) etc. He has also published two famous books, one is “Basic Biostatics” and another is “Indian Livestock Breeds”.

Chapter 1. Introduction and History of Genetics

Chapter 2. Structure of Cells

Chapter 3. Cell Division

Chapter 4. Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance

Chapter 5. Modified Mendelian Inheritance: Multiple Alleles and Lethal Genes

Chapter 6. Modified Dihybrid Ratios and Epistasis

Chapter 7. Pleiotropy, Penetrance and Expressivity

Chapter 8. Linkage, Crossing Over and Linkage Maps

Chapter 9. Sex-Limited, Sex-Linked and Sex-Influenced Traits

Chapter 10. Sex Chromosomes and Sex Determination

Chapter 11. Cytoplasmic or Extrachromosomal Inheritance

Chapter 12. DNA and the Molecular Structure of Chromosomes

Chapter 13. DNA Replication and Mutation

Chapter 14. Properties of the Genetic Code

Chapter 15. Variations in Chromosome Structure

Chapter 16. Variations in Chromosome Number

Chapter 17. DNA Molecular Techniques

Chapter 18. Genetics of Viruses and Bacteria

Chapter 19. Transposable Elements

Chapter 20. Regulation of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Chapter 21. Blood Types in Ruminants and Poultry

Chapter 22. Question Bank