Animal Scientists

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

1. Communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.

2. Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.

3. Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.

4. Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.

5. Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.

6. Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.

7. Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.

8. Crossbreed animals with existing strains or cross strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics.

9. Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, utilizing principles of genetics.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Animal Scientists. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Animal Scientists, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In US the average wage for this occupation was:

$18 for entry level workers, and $31 for experienced workers.

EurekAlert! Science for Kids Portal - The EurekAlert! Science for Kids Portal is a central, online source for kid-friendly news and resources. The Portal is housed within EurekAlert!, the editorially independent, online news service operated by AAAS, the science society. Content for the Portal is provided by hundreds of universities, associations, medical centers and other research organizations worldwide.

Agricultural and food scientists - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Cornell University Summer College Program: Veterinary Medicine - This program, offered at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine, will help you gain realistic and exciting insights into modern veterinary medicine. Explore the variety of disciplines and specialties within the field of veterinary medicine, including zoo animal medicine, marine mammal medicine, animal behavior, anatomy of domestic species, emergency medicine, pathology, and more.

Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah: Cloning in Focus - Cloning in Focus helps you understand how genetics affects lives and society. There are interactive links that include: an introduction to cloning and how it's done, try it yourself in the mouse cloning laboratory, evaluate the reasons for using cloning techonologies, test your cloning savvy with an interactive quiz and more.

Soil and Plant Scientists - Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Biologists - Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Agricultural Technicians - Set up and maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens and record data to assist scientist in biology or related science experiments.

Dietitians and Nutritionists - Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.

First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Aquacultural Workers - Directly supervise and coordinate activities of aquacultural workers.

Animal Breeders - Breed animals, including cattle, goats, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, dogs, cats, or pet birds. Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require a knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.