Whether it be in a university setting doing research, in a laboratory performing tests, or at a farm operation designing new methods for optimum yield and herd management, animal scientists are busy ensuring agricultural productivity and food safety.
Their work plays an important part in maintaining the nation’s food supply.
An animal scientist will typically do the following:
– Conduct research and experiments concerning animal nutrition
– Develop ways to improve the quantity and quality of farm animals
– Report research findings to the scientific community, food producers, and the public.
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.
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 often 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 get new combinations of desirable characteristics. They advise farmers on how to upgrade housing for animals, lower animal death rates, handle waste matter, and increase production.
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.
An animal scientist will work in research universities, private industries, or the federal government. Their work takes place in offices, laboratories, and in the field. They spend most of their time studying data and reports in a laboratory or office. Field work includes visits to farms or processing plants. When visiting an animal production facility, they must follow bio-security measures, wear suitable clothing, and tolerate animal waste and odour.
An Animal Scientist will normally get a pay level somewhere between KSH300,000 to KSH700,000 depending on education and experience.
Although the foreseeable future will produce relatively weak job growth in this sector, some opportunities are forecasted to exist. Most openings will be in private industry and will result from the ongoing need for research on domestic farm animals. Through the ongoing study of animal genetics, nutrition, reproduction, diseases, and growth scientists identify healthier and more efficient ways to produce and process meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. Increased concern for the environment and demand for bio-fuels will call upon the expertise of animal scientists to safely balance crop production with the preservation of soil, water, and ecosystems. Pharmaceutical companies, food distributors, government agencies, universities, breeding organizations, and livestock marketing associations are typically the largest employers in the field, presenting various technical, research, managerial, administrative, public relations, and sales opportunities. In the U.S., the National Cattlemen’s Association, National Pork Producers Council, and the National Dairy Herd Improvement Association employ animal scientists in promotional, educational, and business and consumer liaison roles. Animal scientists with the best job prospects and most in demand will possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree in animal or agricultural science and demonstrate skills in communication, critical thinking, and data analysis.
Animal scientists need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post secondary institution. Some earn a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
Students typically gain a strong foundation in their field, with an emphasis on teamwork, internships, and research opportunities. In addition to science coursework, undergraduates sometimes take humanities courses, which help them develop good communication skills.
Some people with bachelor’s degrees in animal sciences find work in related fields rather than becoming an animal scientist. For example, a bachelor’s degree in animal science is useful for managerial jobs in farm-related or ranch-related businesses, such as farming, ranching, agricultural inspection, farm credit institutions, or companies that make or sell feed, fertilizer, seed, and farm equipment.
Graduate study further develops an animal scientist’s knowledge. It typically takes students six years to complete a Ph.D. During graduate school, there is additional emphasis on lab work and original research, where prospective animal scientists have the opportunity to do experiments and sometimes supervise undergraduates.
Advanced research topics include genetics, animal reproduction, and biotechnology, among others. Advanced coursework also emphasizes statistical analysis and experiment design, which are important as Ph.D. candidates begin their research.
