Palampur veterinary scientists patent lifesaving uterine torsion simulator

Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur, has achieved a landmark milestone as the Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex at Dr GC Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences secured its first-ever design patent.

The patent, registered under Design No. 460628-001, has been granted for a “Uterine Torsion Simulation Model for Veterinary Training”.

Announcing the achievement, Vice-Chancellor Dr AK Panda congratulated the entire team and said, “The grant of this patent reflects the commitment, innovation and teamwork of our faculty and researchers. This model will play a crucial role in improving veterinary education and provide an effective training tool for managing complex reproductive disorders in animals.”

He added that such innovations reaffirm the University’s leadership in applied agricultural and veterinary research.

Conceptualised in 2021 and developed over four years, the simulation model was created by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Ankit Ahuja, with contributions from Dr Pankaj Sood, Dr Amit Sharma, Dr Pravesh Kumar, Dr Akshay Sharma, Dr Adarsh Kumar, Dr Vikas Thakur, Dr Tanvi Thakur, Dr Snayu, Dr Sneha, Dr Stuti Kaushal, Dr Shreya Thakur, Dr Sukriti Kheterpal, Dr Urvashi Sharma, Dr Smriti Sandhu, Dr Jaspinder Singh and Dr Viplove Thakur.

The concept was first presented at an Ideathon during the National Conference of the Indian Society for Buffalo Development at GADVASU, Ludhiana, in 2021, where it won the ‘Best Idea Award’. Following this recognition, the team began fabricating the model, completing its first prototype in 2023. After two years of testing and refinement, the final version was patented in 2025.

Dr Adarsh Kumar, Professor and Head of the Veterinary Clinical Complex, praised Dr Ahuja’s leadership and the team’s perseverance. He noted that the achievement exemplifies the department’s focus on translational and applied research that bridges theory and practice.

“The model will not only enhance hands-on learning but also open new avenues for research collaboration and technology transfer,” he said.

The Uterine Torsion Simulation Model provides veterinary students and practitioners with a realistic, safe platform to learn the diagnosis and correction of uterine torsion — one of the most critical obstetrical problems in farm animals, often resulting in the loss of both calf and mother. The innovation reduces dependence on live cases, enabling learners to gain confidence and practical skills through simulation-based training.

Beyond academia, this innovation promises direct benefits for livestock farmers in Himachal Pradesh and beyond. Improved diagnosis and timely management of uterine torsion cases will help reduce animal losses, enhance farm productivity and strengthen veterinary healthcare in rural and remote areas.