Job description
Animal scientists conduct research on farm animals in order to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of food production. They study animal nutrition, genetics, reproduction, growth, development and diseases. Experiments with crossbreeding, diet and environment help animal scientists discover better methods of producing meat, poultry, eggs and milk. They share their data and findings with farmers, ranchers, the scientific community and the public.
Duties
- Determine the genetic makeup of animal populations and heritability of desirable traits
- Research, evaluate and control animal selection and breeding to improve animal quality
- Crossbreed animals to create new combinations of desirable characteristics
- Study the effects of management, environment and nutrition on production of animal products
- Research the nutritional needs of livestock and determine the value of feed ingredients
- Direct and supervise team of research technicians and students
- Collect data and conduct experiments on changes in diet, environment and other factors
- Evaluate results to discover ways to improve food quality, quantity and safety
- Develop advanced techniques in nutrition, sanitation, parasite and disease control
- Advise farmers, ranchers and processing facilities on best practices for safe and efficient food production
- Share research and experiment results with producers, the scientific community and the public
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
6%
New jobs
400
Automation risk
6.1%
Career progression
Animal scientists have a variety of options to pursue with their bachelor's degree. This includes working for a food manufacturer, an agricultural research and development organisation, local government, or a consulting firm. An animal science degree is also useful for farm and ranch management careers.
Those with advanced degrees typically pursue research work at universities and for the government. You may also consider earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and specialising in agricultural animals.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Full Time
Standard business hours
Animal scientists typically work full time, with many hours devoted to laboratory and office work. You'll also do field work, overseeing processes and experiments at farms and other production facilities. Jobs are available with food manufacturers, universities, research and development firms, and the government.
Both domestic and international travel are possible for animal scientists. Visiting animal production facilities requires suitable protective clothing and following biosecurity measures. You may be subjected to loud noises from machinery, cold temperatures and proximity to animal by-products.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$36k
Median
$58k
Top 10%
$110k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Undergraduate
Bachelor's degree in agricultural science
Study time
4 years
Animal scientist careers require a bachelor's degree in agricultural science or a related subject like biology or biochemistry. Many candidates earn advanced degrees, typically in a specialty like genetics or animal reproduction.
Students are encouraged to include humanities, statistical analysis and computer courses in their path to a degree. These added subjects will assist you in being an effective animal scientist by improving your communication, research and technical skills.
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
