Department of Anatomy and Physiology

The goal – to carry out veterinary and food studies at all levels, providing knowledge about biology, animal micro- and macro- anatomy, physiology and immunology; to organise and carry out scientific research, innovation and experimental development works in cooperation with national and international institutions.

History

The Department of Anatomy and Physiology was established on 12 May 2004 following a decision of the Senate of the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy. It was formed through the reorganisation and merger of three departments: Anatomy and Histology, Biology, and Physiology and Pathology. Each of these departments brought its own academic traditions, expertise, and a distinctive history, all of which have contributed to the identity and development of the present-day Department.

The origins of anatomy studies date back to 1922, when the Department of Animal Anatomy was established at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lithuania in Kaunas. Following the establishment of the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy in 1936, the Department of Animal Anatomy was re-established as the Institute of Anatomy and was later renamed the Department of Anatomy of Farm Animals. In 1949, after the Department of Histology was incorporated, it became the Department of Anatomy and Histology.

The Department of Botany, Zoology and Darwinism was established in 1946 and was renamed the Department of Biology in 1989.

The Department of Physiology was established in 1947. Over the years, its name changed to reflect the development and expansion of its academic and research activities. From 1949 to 1950, it was known as the Department of Physiology and Physics; from 1950 to 1953, as the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; and from 1953 to 1990, as the Department of Physiology, Pathological Physiology and Pathological Anatomy. In 1990, it became the Department of Physiology and Pathology.

In 1972, a research laboratory was established within the Department of Physiology, Pathological Physiology and Pathological Anatomy. Following subsequent reorganisations, it became the Research Centre for Digestive Physiology and Pathology in 1992. From 1999 to 2020, the Immunology Laboratory operated within the Department of Physiology and Pathology.

Today, the Centre for Digestive Physiology and Pathology operates within the Department as an open-access research centre. The Department’s historic Anatomy Building is recognised as an architectural heritage site and is home to the unique Animal Osteology Auditorium.

The teaching staff of the Department deliver courses to the integrated, first-cycle full- and part-time students at the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, and Medicine.

Study programmes at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Students enrolled in the integrated Veterinary Medicine (VM) and Veterinary Medicine for International Students (VMU) study programmes are taught biology, anatomy, histology, physiology, and immunology in the following courses coordinated by the Department’s academic staff: Life Sciences I; Locomotor System; Life Sciences II; Metabolic System; Cardiovascular, Lymphatic and Respiratory Systems; Neuroendocrine System and Senses; and Reproduction, as well as in courses coordinated by other departments: Infection and Immune Response; and Microbiology, Virology and Parasitology.

Nutrition I is taught to the first-cycle full- and part-time students of Food Science.

Study programmes at the Faculty of Animal Science

Courses taught to the first-cycle full- and part-time students of Animal Science: Applied Biology and Ecology, Animal Anatomy and Physiology.

Courses taught to the first-cycle full- and part-time students of Animal and Human Interaction: Animal Biology, Animal Morphology and Physiology, Immunology.

Study programmes at the Faculty of Medicine

Courses taught to the first-cycle full- and part-time students of the Medical and Veterinary Genetics study programmes: Anatomy of Human and Laboratory Animals, Human and Animal Physiology, Bioethics and Animal Science.

Courses taught to the first-cycle full-time and part-time students of the Medical and Veterinary Biochemistry study programmes: Anatomy of Human and Laboratory Animals, Human and Laboratory Animal Physiology, Bioethics, and Animal Science, Cell Biology.

The Department also delivers elective courses.

The teaching staff of the Department also supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s theses in Veterinary Medicine, Food Science, Animal Science and Animal and Human Interaction study programmes.

The researchers at the Department are also actively involved in the implementation of third-cycle studies (doctoral studies) in Agricultural Sciences (Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science) and teach the following doctoral courses:

Laboratory animals, welfare aspects, and their use of research and educational purposes (A002)
Specifics of physiological functions of different animal species (A002)
Comprehensive morphological analysis of body regions in livestock (A002)
Comparative animal physiology (A003)

The Department organises an annual 80-hour training course for researchers, scientists, and teachers on the “Requirements for the keeping, care and use of animals used for scientific and educational purposes” (No KMU 777).

The staff of the Department participate in educational activities (the science festival “Spaceship Earth”, the “Gifted Pupils” education programme, etc.).

The Department’s academic staff, researchers, and PhD students investigate the functional systems and immune responses of various animal species, with the aim of promoting animal and public health. They disseminate their research findings through scientific publications and conferences; review scientific articles, dissertations, and other academic publications; provide consultations on maintaining the health of various animal species, assessing immune system function, and analysing physiological parameters; and perform osteological examinations of animal bones.

Research fields

Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying immune responses in animals using miRNA-based methods to assess cytokine expression and its regulation.
Antigenicity and immunogenicity studies of zoonotic hepatitis E virus in in vitro and in vivo models, molecular characterisation of common strains in domestic and wild animals.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus studies in goat, sheep, and horse populations.
Sequencing of human and tissue SARS-CoV-2 strains.
Research on the bovine holobionts, assessing the microbiome in different parts of the organism.
Research on the fermentation processes, health, and production of ruminant rumen contents, developing new methods and tools for the assessment and correction of physiological and pathological digestive processes.
Anatomical, functional, and immunological characteristics of different animal species to ensure their health and welfare.
Morphological and pathological studies of the skeletons of wild and domestic carnivores.

The Department cooperates, prepares projects and concludes agreements with foreign and national research and educational institutions, competent authorities and other economic operators carrying out state-funded and outsourced research works, and participates in their implementation.

The Department facilitates and assists students, graduate students, and PhD students in carrying out scientific research work.

International projects:

2024-2027. Erasmus+ (Higher Education Cooperation Partnerships) „Inclusive Digital Material on Saliva Science for the Curricula of European Higher Education Institutions (EdU_Saliva)“, No. 2024-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000248283. Project Leader at LSMU I. Monkevičienė, Team Member R. Želvytė.
2023–2025. Project of the SI Baltic Sea Neighbourhood Programme „Dairy Information System (DaInSy)“. 3 partners. Project Leader at LSMU I. Šilinskas.
2023. European Commission project „Enhance National Disease Surveillance System in Georgia through Improvement of the Epidemiological and Molecular (Genomic) Surveillance; GE 21 NDICI HE 01 23”. Team Member A. Pautienius.
2021– 2027. Project “Understanding microbiomes of the ruminant holobiont (HoloRuminant)” under the EU research and innovation framework Horizon 2020 (No. 2021-PRO-00065). 25 partners. Project Leader at LSMU R. Želvytė. Team Members: I. Monkevičienė, I. Šilinskas and R. Šilinskienė.
2012–2014. FP7 ERA-NET 2918915, “Animal welfare and health (ANIHWA)”. Team Member A. Sederevičius.
2008–2011. EMIDA – “Coordination of European research in the area of animal health, including emerging threats, infectious diseases and surveillance”. Team Member A. Sederevičius.

National projects:

2025–2027. Research project ” Associations between coronary artery disease and bacteria and viruses ” No. S-MIP-24-125. Team Member Pautienius.
Research project ”Investigation of the most suitable storage and transport media for an avulsed tooth prior to replantation” No. S-MIP-24-126. Team Member L. Merkevičienė.
2024–2026. Research project in collaboration with KTU “Machine Learning Algorithms for the Analysis and Prediction of Cow Health Status (MALACA)”, No. P-ITP-24-3. Project Leaders: LSMU – A. Sederevičius (to 31/12/2025) and V. Oberauskas (since 01/01/2026), Team Members: R. Želvytė, J. Žymantienė, V. Oberauskas, K. Musayeva, I. Šilinskas.

2023–2026. Project „Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of flaviviruses circulating in animals and virus-associated vectors in Lithuania“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania. Project Leader A. Pautienius, Team Members: J. Grigas, I. Jasinevičiūtė.
2021. Joint research project “Application of Acoustic Oscillations for the Prevention and Treatment of Bovine Mastitis” by LSMU and KTU Santaka Valley Association (26/03/2021, No. 2021-V-0156). Project Leader at LSMU A. Sederevičius. Team Members: R. Želvytė, J. Žymantienė, V. Oberauskas, K. Musayeva.
2020. Research project “Covid-19 Infection. Genomic and Clinical Aspects”, No. P-COV-20-38, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania. Team Members: A. Stankevičius and A. Pautienius.
2019–2023 project “A prototype of sustainable higher value antimicrobial properties feedstock (bio)technology” (SUSFEETECH), funded under the 01.2.2-MITA-K-702 measure “Promoting the Commercialisation and Internationalisation of R&D” (EUREKA project). Team Members: M.Ružauskas, A. Daukšienė.
2018–2020. Agriculture, food, fisheries and rural development research and experimental development program 2015-2020. MT-18-5 “Molecular studies on the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus in goat and cow populations and the effect of technological process factors on the viral resistance in the production of fermented cheese from unpasteurized cheese”. Project Leader A. Stankevičius. Team Members: A. Pautienius, J. Grigas.
2017–2021. “Development of eubiotic multifunctional neutraceuticals” (EUNUTRITECH) under the measure No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718 “Targeted research in smart specialisation area “Research Projects Implemented by World-class Researcher Groups” (SMART). Team Members: A. Stankevičius, J. Grigas, M. Ružauskas.
2017– 2019. Agriculture, food, fisheries and rural development research and experimental development program 2015-2020. MT-17-8 “Analysis of epidemiological and laboratory studies of the African Swine Fever (ASF) prognosis of disease spread, risk analysis and disease management strategy in wild fauna and pig housing in the Republic of Lithuania”. Project Leader A. Stankevičius.
2017–2018. Agriculture, food, fisheries and rural development research and experimental development program 2015-2020. No. MT-17-13 “Determining the relationship between fat composition in raw milk and dairy products made from it”. Team Members: A. Sederevičius, K. Musayeva.
2016. Project “The effect of intensive farming on the emergence, persistence and spread of antibiotic- and biocide-resistant bacteria in soil and water” (INTENSEFARMING). 14/12/2015, No. V-1227. Project Leader M. Ružauskas.
2015–2016. Agriculture, food, fisheries and rural development research and experimental development program 2015-2020. No. MT-15-42 “Research on the Composition of Cow’s Milk Fatty Acids (Saturated and Unsaturated) and Presentation of Recommendations on Improving the Quality of Raw Milk”. Project Leader R. Želvytė. Team Members: K. Musayeva, A. Sederevičius. National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture.
2015–2016. Agriculture, food, fisheries and rural development research and experimental development program 2015-2020. No. MT-15-9 “Application of non-invasive tools to the assessment of the physiological state of the mammary gland and recommendations for the detection of early pathologies in the technological process of milk production”. Project Leader A. Sederevičius. Team Members: I. Monkevičienė, K. Musayeva, D. Beliavska – Aleksiejūnė.
2012–2014. Characterization of antigenic properties and patogenicity of wild boar PRRSVs. Project Leader A. Stankevičius.
2010–2011. Molecular characterization of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSVs). Project Leader A. Stankevičius.

Showcase projects:

2024–2027. “The use of phytogenic preparations to optimise the microbiota of the rumen of dairy cows, increasing of production, and health improvement”. Project No. 23PA-KK-23-1-05574-PR001. Informative articles: 29.01.2025, 25.04.2025, 06.01.2026. More about the project HERE.

COST Actions:

2025–2029. COST Action CA24140 – One Health zoonotic Hepevirus Network (ONWARD), Team Member Grigas.
2025–2027. COST Action CA24133 – European network for animal evolutionary immunology: interlinking laboratory and wildlife infection biology (EVIM-NET)”, Representative of the activity management committee Pautienius
2023–2027. COST Action CA22105 – Beekeeping products valorisation and biomonitoring for the safety of bees and honey (BeSafeBeeHoney)”, Team Member Daukšienė.
2023-2026. COST Action CA21170 – Prevention, anticipation and mitigation of tick-borne disease risk applying the DAMA protocol (PRAGMATICK). Representative of the activity management committee Pautienius, deputy J. Grigas.

2019–2023. Cost- CA18101. SOURDOugh biotechnology network towards novel, healthier and sustainable food and bioprocesses. Team Member M. Ružauskas.
2017–2022. COST – CA16227 (IMAAC) Investigation and Mathematical Analysis of Avant-garde Disease Control via Mosquito Nano-Tech-Repellents. 28 partner countries. Representative of the activity management committee A. Pautienius; deputy E. Šimkutė.
2016–2020. COST-D-16008 No. CA15116 “Understanding and combating African Swine Fever in Europe (ASFSTOP)”; 28 partner countries. Representative of the activity management committee A. Stankevičius.

2010–2014. COST Action FA902: Understanding and combating porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in Europe. Project Leader A. Stankevičius.

The Department’s academic staff and researchers collaborate with Lithuanian and international higher education and research institutions in conducting scientific research and implementing teaching staff mobility and exchange programmes:

University of Murcia (Spain), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory; blood and saliva research area, teaching staff mobility programme.
Spanish National Research Council (Madrid, Spain), Centre for Biological Research; immunology research area.
Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain), Research Centre for Animal Health; immunology research area, teaching staff mobility programme.
University of Life Sciences (Lublin, Poland), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; research area in animal health, teaching staff mobility programme.
Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, immunological diagnostics of infectious diseases, sequencing and genotyping, phylogenetic analysis; teaching staff mobility programme.
University of Zagreb (Croatia), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; teaching staff mobility programme.
University of Évora (Portugal), Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED); research in dietary habits. Institute for Research and Advanced Training, Department of Mathematics, research areas in biomathematics and epidemiological studies.
Natural Resources Institute (Jokioinen, Finland), research area in rumen microbiota of ruminants.
University of Gdańsk (Poland), Department of Virus Molecular Biology; development of a Lenti-DNA vaccine for TBE virus in goats and sheep (ICRAD project).
Scotland’s Rural College (Edinburg, UK), research area in rumen microbiota of ruminants.
University of Warmia and Mazury (Olsztyn, Poland), teaching staff mobility programme.
Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Biostructure and Physiology; teaching staff mobility programme.
Kaunas University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Department of Mechanical Engineering; research area in animal health: development of tools and techniques.
Vilnius University, Life Sciences Centre; immunological research area, molecular research, whole genome sequencing.
Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of Natural Sciences; immunological research area; research in vector-borne disease epidemiology.
Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry; immunological research area.
Tadas Ivanauskas Zoology Museum (Kaunas); osteological research area.

In carrying out teaching and research activities, the Department’s academic staff and researchers collaborate with divisions of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and other faculties of the University, as well as with the Public Institution LSMU Practical Training and Testing Centre.

The RESEARCH CENTRE FOR DIGESTIVE PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY, operating within the Department, aims to investigate biochemical and microbiological parameters and specific biomarkers, and to develop tools and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in cattle, as well as for improving nutritional processes and production quality.

Main research areas:

To study the cattle holobiont by evaluating the microbiomes of different body sites.
To generate new knowledge and develop methods and tools for assessing physiological processes, identifying pathological processes, and managing digestive disorders in animals.

The Centre performs the following functions:

Organises and conducts scientific research related to animal physiological functions and pathology.
Publishes scientific and popular science articles.
Collaborates and enters into agreements with research and educational institutions, competent authorities, and other organisations commissioning research, and participates in the implementation of such research activities.
Provides opportunities and support for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students to conduct scientific research.
Organises scientific conferences, seminars, meetings, and other academic events.
Develops and participates in national and international research projects.
Conducts commissioned research and provides research services and expert consultations.

Services: 

Experiments are designed and conducted to investigate digestive processes in the rumen of cattle and the effects of various factors on productivity and milk quality.
Fermentation parameters of cattle rumen fluid are analysed, including pH, protozoal count, total and ammonia (NH₃) nitrogen concentrations, bacterial reducing activity, and glucose fermentation.
In vitro dry matter digestibility of feed is determined.
Consultations are provided on animal health and the optimisation of fermentation processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Department of Anatomy and Physiology

Prof. dr. Vaidas Oberauskas

Head of the Research Centre for Digestive Physiology and Pathology

+370 37 363604 vaidas.oberauskas@lsmu.lt

Prof. dr. Rasa Želvytė

Head of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology

+370 37 363 692 rasa.zelvyte@lsmu.lt

All contacts