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Animal scientists conduct research in the genetics,
nutrition, breeding, quality, and growth of domestic farm animals.
Animal scientists typically conduct research on domestic farm animals.
With a focus on food production, they explore animal genetics,
nutrition, reproduction, diseases, growth, and development. They work to
develop efficient ways to produce and process meat, poultry, eggs, and
milk. Animal scientists may crossbreed animals to make them more
productive or improve other characteristics. They advise farmers on how
to upgrade housing for animals, lower animal death rates, increase
growth rates, or otherwise increase the quality and efficiency of
livestock.
Animal scientists study a variety of domestic animal species and
frequently work with livestock to understand the biological and chemical
processes by which the animals grow.
An animal scientist plays an important role in maintaining the
nation’s food supply. Many work in basic or applied research and
development. Basic research seeks to understand the biological and
chemical processes by which livestock grow. Applied research uses this
knowledge to discover ways to improve the quality, quantity, and safety
of agricultural products.
They advise farmers on how to upgrade housing for animals, lower animal
death rates, handle waste matter, and increase production.
They may also be more research-oriented, working in zoological fields or
specific veterinary fields to help preserve the health and welfare of
animals in the wild and in captivity. They may focus their interest on
specific areas such as reproduction, nutrition, genetics (animal
geneticists), or development.
ANZSCO ID:
234111
Alternative names: Animal Scientist,
Food Scientist, Agricultural Research Scientist,
Specialisations:
- Academia: Animal
scientists are responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate
courses, supervising student lab work, and conducting and publishing
their own research studies. Publishing research is of great importance
to college professors, as they seek to secure tenure at an educational
institution.
- Research: Animal
scientists may be responsible for designing research studies, providing
basic care for animal subjects, supervising lab assistants, collecting
data, analyzing results, and publishing results in peer-reviewed trade
journals or corporate reports.
- Regulatory agencies:
Animal scientists work for regulatory agencies—in state and federal
government roles—and may be involved with health inspections of farm
production facilities, dairies, and feedlots. These scientists ensure
that such production facilities operate in accordance with health codes
and humane treatment laws.
- Animal production facilities: Animal scientists work for animal production operations and may be responsible for herd management. They also may be involved with designing methods to maximize the yield of milk, eggs, meat, or other desired products from the animals in the facility that they oversee.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- the ability to analyse and solve problems
- an interest in science, the environment, and animals
- to be able to make accurate observations
- good oral and written communication skills
- good organisational skills, with supervisory ability
- to be able to work as part of a team.
(Source:
The Career Hub)
Duties and Tasks
The duties of an animal scientist may vary based on whether
they are involved in education, research, regulation, or production.
Some animal scientist positions are primarily administrative, while
others offer the opportunity to work with animals in a hands-on capacity.
As an animal scientist, you would:
- study management practices, processing methods, feed, or conditions to see the effect on quality and yield of animal products, such as eggs and milk
- conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
- study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials
- inform producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts
- research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality
- communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
- Animal scientists who work for animal production operations may be responsible for herd management. They also may be involved with designing methods to maximise the yield of milk, eggs, meat, or other desired products from the animals in the facility that they oversee.
Working conditions
Most animal scientists work full time. Most
animal scientists work in research universities, private industry, or
for the federal government. They work in offices, laboratories, or in
the field. Those working in animal production facilities may sometimes
work in unpleasant conditions.
Many animal scientists work with little supervision, forming their own
hypotheses and developing research methods accordingly. In addition,
they often lead teams of technicians or students who help in their
research.
Animal scientists in private industries often work for food production
companies, farms, and processing plants. They typically work to improve
inspection standards or overall food quality. They often spend their
time in a laboratory, where they do tests and experiments, or in the
field, where they take samples or assess overall conditions. Other
animal and food scientists work for pharmaceutical companies, where they
use biotechnology processes to develop drugs or other medical products.
In the federal government, an animal scientist will conduct research on
animal safety and methods of improving food production. They spend most
of their time conducting clinical trials or developing experiments on
animal subjects. They eventually present their findings in peer-reviewed
journals or other publications.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an animal scientist you usually have to complete a science
degree, with studies in areas such as biology, anatomy, physiology,
chemistry and statistics.
English, biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics would be
appropriate subjects to study prior to university.
Select universities in Australia also offer degree course in animal
science.
Employment Opportunities
Employment of animal scientists is projected to grow about as fast as
the average for all occupations.
Ongoing research in animal science, as well as an increasing dependence
on food safety through biotechnology and nanotechnology, should create
some demand for food and animal scientists.
Animal scientists will continue research efforts into herd health and
increased productivity.
Animal scientists with advanced degrees will continue to have the most
plentiful job opportunities in the field as a whole. Recent innovations
and advances in the field of biotechnology should also continue to
create jobs for animal scientists from a variety of professional
backgrounds.
(Source:
University New Hampshire)
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