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Animal Scientists
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Other titles employers use
Animal Nutrition Consultant · Animal Nutritionist · Animal Scientist · Beef Cattle Nutritionist · Beef Cattle Specialist · Companion Animal Nutritionist · Dairy Nutrition Consultant · Dairy Research Nutritionist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
- Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
- Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
- Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
- Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
- Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, practical and organizing work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects to know
- Biology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Food Production
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.9 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.7 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 2.1 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A doctorate or professional degree 57%
- A master's degree 22%
- A four-year degree 13%
- A certificate or some college 4%
- A two-year degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Data base user interface and query software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Geographic information system
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 310
- Job openings each year
- 30
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- —
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 310 | 30 | — |
| South Dakota | 270 | 20 | 12.5% |
| Maryland | 210 | 20 | 16.7% |
| Nebraska | 170 | 10 | 6.3% |
| Kansas | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Ohio | 130 | 10 | 8.3% |
| Texas | 100 | 10 | 25.0% |
| Minnesota | 90 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 70 | 10 | — |
| Missouri | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Washington | 60 | 10 | — |
| Colorado | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Wisconsin | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| North Carolina | 40 | 0 | — |
| Arkansas | 30 | 0 | — |
| North Dakota | 30 | 0 | — |
| Alabama | 20 | 0 | — |
| New Jersey | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 405
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
University of California-Davis
- Degrees each year
- 358
- Admit rate
- 42%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
Iowa State University
- Degrees each year
- 347
- Admit rate
- 89%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Degrees each year
- 341
- Admit rate
- 40%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 241
- Admit rate
- 71%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000
Texas Tech University
- Degrees each year
- 254
- Admit rate
- 71%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Kansas State University
- Degrees each year
- 263
- Admit rate
- 79%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- Degrees each year
- 201
- Admit rate
- 82%
- Annual cost after aid
- $11,000
Compare every college offering veterinary biomedical and clinical sciences